EFFECTS OF FORESTS MANAGEMENT ON ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION FOR SUSTAINING LIVELIHOOD OF RURAL COMMUNITIES IN LIBERIA A CASE STUDY OF NORTHERN NIMBA COUNTY

Abstract

This study was about the Effects of Forests Management on Environment Protection for Sustaining Livelihood of Rural Communities, A Case Study of northern Nimba, Liberia. It aimed to analyze the state of forest management, evaluate the livelihood of rural communities, appraise the relationship between forest management and environmental protection, and identify challenges faced in forest management in Northern Nimba County, Liberia. A sample size of 110 study participants was determined from the target population of 58604 people from a diverse range of groups, including members of the local community, local community leaders, and the officials of the Forestry Development Authority and Liberia Environmental Protection Agency. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. With SPSS software, data were analyzed by incorporating both qualitative and quantitative analysis (especially calculating of frequencies and percentages) to fully explore the opinions quantifying in each research questions being addressed to respondents. The findings revealed that while forest clearance has reduced due to protected areas and active community forest management, challenges such as chain sawing, mining activities, and agricultural encroachment pose threats to environmental protection. Despite the positive impacts of forests on livelihoods, community involvement and capacity building in forest management remain limited. This study recommended the improved governance, sustainable practices, awareness programs, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure the sustainable livelihoods of rural communities and environmental protection in Northern Nimba County, Liberia.