Authors: ADEDIRE M. O., BOLAJI G. A. and MARTINS O.
Abstract
Deforestation for agricultural development, mining, timber logging and water resources projects have direct impact on water quality and quantity. As the vegetation is gradually removed, natural phenomena such as topography and climate are innuenced in both spatial and temporal dimensions.
With the present trend at which the forests are being cleared for agriculture and other purposes, Africa is losing 4 – 6 million hectares annually.
It has been estimated that, at this rate, the remaining tropical forests in Africa would disappear in 60 – 80 years; thereby leading to serious environmental changes on the continent. Among the environmental consequences of deforestation is the degradation of water quality and sedimentation that is likely to silt up and reduce the capacity of several dams around the world This paper highlights the effect of deforestation on water quality in rivers and impounded reservoirs and how to use forests as a natural means of conserving soil and water for the benefits of the environment.