Forest conversion, conservation and forestry in Cross River State, Nigeria

This paper presents new data on the rate and patterns of loss of tropical m oist forest cover to agriculture in Cross River State, Nigeria, Data from s equential aerial photographs and field surveys are used to derive an estima te of forest loss of 0.6 per cent per year. This rate is relatively modest, yet current conservation and forestry policy in the area is based on assum ptions of rapid conversion of forest. The implications of these findings fo r debates about conservation and policy are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.