The continuous encroachment and degradation of forests and the related human activities within the lake shores, river banks and catchment areas have resulted into; complete loss of tree and vegetation cover further leading to soil erosion and siltation of the water bodies thus changing their ecological, social and economic functions. The degradation has also negatively impacted on the community livelihoods by affecting the agricultural productivity due to prolonged droughts, reduced soil fertility and crop yields as well as affecting the fish yields.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"