Women from the Ekuri community have raised urgent concerns over the devastating impact of illegal logging on their daily lives, livelihoods and overall well being, describing a growing crisis that is pushing families deeper into poverty and insecurity.
By Victoria Omini, CALABAR
Speaking during a one day training programme organised by RENEVLYN Development Initiative, the women shared firsthand experiences of how years of forest conservation efforts are being undone by unchecked logging activities that now threaten their survival.
Ekuri, a forest rich community with about 33,600 hectares of communally conserved land, has long depended on its natural resources for sustenance. Women in particular rely heavily on farming and the gathering of non timber forest products such as afang, editan, atama and ogbono. These resources not only provide food but also serve as a primary source of income used to train children in school and support households.
However, participants said the situation has drastically changed in recent years. According to Mrs Agatha, a community member, the destruction of forest areas has pushed vital resources farther away from homes, forcing women to walk long distances of up to seven kilometres in search of basic items they once accessed easily.
She explained that medicinal plants, once found close to their homes, are now scarce, making traditional healthcare practices difficult and reducing income opportunities for women who depend on herbal medicine. Farming has also suffered, with poor crop yields replacing what used to be abundant harvests.
Another participant, Freda Francis, highlighted growing security concerns, noting that the influx of unfamiliar loggers into the forest has made it unsafe for women and young girls to move freely. She said women can no longer go to farms alone, and even sending children on simple errands has become a source of anxiety.
She further described environmental changes, including drying streams and contaminated water sources caused by falling trees and logging activities near waterways. These developments, she said, have disrupted the community’s traditional reliance on clean natural water and healthy food systems.
Wildlife displacement has also become a serious issue. Residents now encounter animals such as elephants closer to human settlements, a situation attributed to habitat destruction within the forest.
Other women recounted personal losses linked to logging. Esther Atim narrated a frightening encounter with a large snake while gathering forest products, attributing increased danger to the disturbance of natural habitats. She also pointed out that the loss of medicinal plants has contributed to rising maternal and child health risks, as traditional birth attendants no longer have access to essential herbs.
Economic hardship was another recurring theme. A participant shared the story of a woman who had to withdraw her children from university due to declining farm yields, underscoring how environmental degradation is directly affecting education and future opportunities.
Cocoa farmers also reported losses, with trees destroyed by logging activities, further reducing already limited income sources. Rising transportation costs due to damaged roads have compounded the problem, increasing the price of goods and making daily living more difficult.
Beyond environmental and economic impacts, the women expressed frustration over their exclusion from decision making processes. They said their voices are often ignored in matters affecting their land and livelihoods, leaving them vulnerable to decisions imposed without their consent.
Despite their challenges, the women remain hopeful that sharing their stories will lead to action. They called on journalists, government authorities and relevant organisations to amplify their voices and intervene in the ongoing crisis.
Their message was clear and urgent. The destruction of the Ekuri forest is not just an environmental issue but a direct threat to the survival, dignity and future of the women who depend on it every day.
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