The Role Of Forest Guards In Enhancing Food Security In South-East Nigeria, With a Specific Focus On Enugu State

Abstract

This study examined the role of forest guards in enhancing food security in South-East Nigeria, with a specific focus on Enugu State. The objectives were to assess the effect of forest guards on food production, food affordability, and food accessibility. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and the population consisted of households dependent on forest resources and forest guards operating in the state. A sample size of 372 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula, from a Population 400 personnel of forest guards and 5,000 households in selected forest-adjacent communities in Enugu State Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and the validity and reliability of the instrument were ensured through expert review and a pretest, yielding a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.82. Data analysis was conducted using simple percentages to summarize responses and Pearson correlation to test the study hypotheses. Findings revealed that forest guards have a significant positive effect on food production, affordability, and accessibility, indicating their critical role in promoting food security. The study recommends strengthening forest protection policies, increasing the capacity and monitoring of forest guards, and integrating forest management with local food security strategies. These measures are essential to enhance sustainable food availability and accessibility in the region.