Dr Bassey Obeten Udumo, Dr Osedumme Igwebuike & Dr Oham Sunday Bassey
Abstract
This study is on Synergizing Afforestation and Renewable Energy: A Sustainable Framework for Forest Conservation in Cross River State. Two research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population of this study consists of all 73,755 farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria that are registered under the Agricultural Development Programme across various Local Government Areas. The stratified and systematic random sampling techniques, including the proportionate sampling approach, were used to select a total of four hundred and ninety-five (495) registered farmers with the Agricultural Development Programme in Cross River State. Afforestation and Alternative Renewable Energy Questionnaire (AAREQ) was used for data collection. The data were analysed using simple linear regression. The results revealed that there is a significant prediction of afforestation on conservation of forest resources in Cross River State and that use of alternative/renewable energy can significantly predict conservation of forest resources in Cross River State. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that indigenous tree species should be incorporated with community-led initiatives; and this strategy should be complemented by promoting renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro) to reduce dependence on forest resources for energies.