Forest Crime in Boki Local Government Area, Cross River State: Causes and Implications on Socio-Economic Development

Abstract

The study explores the factors responsible for the upsurge in forest crime in Boki Local Government area, Cross River State. The hike in illegality in the forest sector and its consequences in recent times has been alarming. The study investigated the determinants of forest crime and how the crime impacted on the socioeconomic development of the host community. The study employed the survey research designed. The sample size was determined through Yamani Taro’s sample size determination techniques. A sample of 396 was selected through simple random and purposive sampling methods. The questionnaire and in-depth interview were employed to collect data from respondents. The quantitative data was analysed with frequency tables and chi-square was employed to test hypothesis after data was process with the help of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data was analysed via manual content analysis and ethnographic summaries. Findings revealed that poverty, unemployment, political style of leadership, political appointment, and weak social norms were some of the determinants of forest crime in the study location. With the proliferation of forest crime, poverty, deprivation of resources for community advancement, and extinction of some species of plant and animals has become inevitable. This study recommends that the twin problem of unemployment and poverty need to be seriously addressed through adequate policy formulation and poverty alleviation.