Effect of Climate Change on Forest Dependent Livelihoods among Rural Households in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as one of the most critical environmental challenges of the 21st century, posing significant threats to natural ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them. In Nigeria, particularly in Oyo State, rural households rely heavily on forest resources for income generation, food supply, fuelwood, medicinal plants, and other socio-economic needs. However, increasing temperature fluctuations, irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged dry seasons, and extreme weather events have heightened the vulnerability of forest-dependent communities. The study examined the perceived effects of climate change on forest-dependent livelihoods among rural households in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 90 respondents for the study. Data were collected with the aid of a well-structured interview schedule, while the inferential statistical tool employed was ordered probit regression. The study described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identified the perceived effects of climate change on forest-dependent livelihoods, and investigated the constraints hindering adaptation strategies.The study concluded that climate change has contributed to a reduction in the availability of timber. It was recommended that government agencies, extension officers, and non-governmental organizations organize regular training, workshops, and community outreach programmes on climate change adaptation and sustainable resource management.