Delta govt urged to declare emergency on deforestation

The rapid depletion of forest resources in Delta State due to food crop cultivation, logging, road construction, and fuelwood exploitation has raised major concerns among environmental and agribusiness stakeholders. Chief Sunny Onuesoke, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on the Delta State government to declare a state of emergency on deforestation, citing the alarming loss of biodiversity and its detrimental impact on agriculture, climate stability, and rural livelihoods.

Nigeria’s tropical rainforest ecosystem is not just an environmental asset; it plays a critical role in food security, providing energy, medicinal plants, soil protection, and climate regulation. However, the unchecked exploitation of forest resources is now threatening these essential benefits.

Deforestation’s Impact on Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods
Chief Onuesoke pointed out that traditional farming practices, bushfires, quarrying, and unregulated timber harvesting have significantly reduced forest cover. This loss of tree cover has worsened soil erosion, altered rainfall patterns, and contributed to extreme temperatures, all of which negatively impact farmers’ crop yields.

He also highlighted the rapid decline of economic tree species such as rubber, mango, bush mango, pepper fruit, pear, and ebelebo, forcing local producers to source these products from northern Nigeria—a shift that affects both local agribusiness profitability and supply chain stability.

Beyond economic losses, the destruction of forests reduces carbon absorption, leading to hotter temperatures, erratic weather, and increased flooding due to the loss of natural windbreakers.

Key Recommendations for Sustainable Forestry & Agribusiness Protection

1. To mitigate the growing crisis, Onuesoke urged the Delta State government to:
2. Implement mass tree-planting initiatives with sustained monitoring efforts.
3. Source free seedlings from international organizations to support reforestation.
4. Strengthen forestry regulations to enforce tree replanting after logging activities.
5. Raise public awareness on the long-term dangers of deforestation.
6. Partner with foreign organizations to promote large-scale afforestation projects.
7. Engage local communities and traditional rulers in afforestation and conservation programs.
8. Host seminars and workshops to educate youth and farmers on forest management.

Source- Tribune

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The increasing rate of deforestation in Delta State poses serious challenges for food security, economic stability, and climate resilience. Stakeholders in the agribusiness sector must recognize that forest conservation is not just an environmental issue but a critical factor for sustainable agricultural growth. Here’s why this issue demands urgent attention:

1. Food Security & Climate Resilience
   Deforestation disrupts rainfall cycles and soil health, directly affecting food crop production. The loss of trees reduces soil fertility, making lands less productive and more prone to desertification. If unchecked, Nigeria could face a severe food production crisis, increasing reliance on imported food and causing price volatility.
2. Economic & Market Impact
   – The loss of valuable tree species limits raw material availability for agribusiness sectors such as timber, fruit processing, and herbal medicine production.
   – Rising input costs for food production due to soil degradation may increase food prices, making food less affordable for consumers.
   – Without sustainable forest management, agribusiness investments in Delta State could face significant risks.
3. Opportunities for Sustainable Agribusiness Development
   – Agroforestry adoption can provide a balance between farming and forest conservation, ensuring continuous food production while preserving natural resources.
   – Green finance and climate funding are emerging opportunities—agribusinesses can tap into international grants and carbon credit markets by promoting reforestation projects.
   – Public-private partnerships can drive afforestation programs, creating jobs and new value chains in agroforestry, biofuel production, and sustainable timber harvesting.

The Way Forward for Delta’s Forest & Agriculture Sector
Nigeria’s agricultural sector must integrate environmental conservation into its long-term development strategies. Without immediate intervention, deforestation will continue to weaken the agricultural value chain, reduce economic opportunities, and threaten food security.

The call for a state of emergency on deforestation is a timely warning that should prompt urgent policy reforms and sustainable land management practices. By adopting climate-smart agriculture, responsible forestry practices, and community-led conservation efforts, Delta State can protect its forests while ensuring long-term food and agribusiness sustainability.