Subject : Agricultural Science

Class : Jss 2 / Basic 8

Term : Third Term / 3rd Term

Week : Week 8

Topic :

 EFFECTS OF FORESTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Previous Knowledge : Learners have been taught

MEANING OF FOREST TYPES OF FOREST

in their previous lesson .

Behavioural Objectives : By the end of the lesson , learner will be able to

• List the risk Factors in Water and Fish Farming
• Mention Other Uses/Benefits of Forest Resources
• Explain the Importance of Forest
• Say the Effects of Forest on the Environment

 EFFECTS OF FORESTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

CONTENT

1. Other Uses/Benefits of Forest Resources
2. Importance of Forest
3. Effects of Forest on the Environment

Other Uses/Benefits of Forest Resources

There are some other benefits of the forest which cannot be quantified in terms of monetary value but which is of great importance to people. These are:

1. Forest checks erosion of soil.
2. It provides man with sources of food, shelter and protection.
3. It is a source of raw materials for industries.
4. It provides good sources of foreign exchange earnings.
5. Forest resources provide recreational facilities.
6. It provides employment opportunities for people as guards.
7. Forest provides shelter for wildlife and serves as a tourist centre.
8. Forest provides medicinal herbs.
9. It is an important source of fuel for people.

Importance of Forest

The following are the importance of forest:

1. Forest provides timber trees.
2. It is a source of wild animals used for meat.
3. Provides income to people through hunting, felling of timber and sales of other products.
4. It protects the soil against erosion
5. It is a source of wild fruits, nuts, and flowers.
6. It is a source of fuel e.g. fire wood
7. It is a source of medicinal herbs
8. It is a source of fibre and ropes
9. It provides employment for people such as the forest guards
10. It is a source of revenue to the government
11. Forest reserve can serve as a tourist attraction.
12. It is a home for wild animals
13. Forest trees serves as wind breaks
14. It reduces atmospheric pollution.

Effects of Forest on the Environment

The effects of forest on the environment include the following:

1. Forest trees form a thick cover on the land thereby prevention of soil erosion through water and wind
2. Serves as wind breaks
3. Reduction of water evaporation
4. Purification of air
5. Formation of cloud cover
6. Helps to prevent excessive leaching
7. Prevention of weed infestation
8. Helps to increase soil fertility
9. Forest acts as wild life habitat
10. It improves soil structure
11. It beautify the environment
12. It helps in cloud formation

EVALUATION

1. State eight benefits of forest.
2. Outline five effects of forest on the environment.