Social Work Roles in Addressing Deforestation-Induced Community Displacement in Ondo State

Environmental degradation, including deforestation, is increasingly recognised as a driver of community displacement and social welfare need in rural Nigeria. This study examines the social work dimensions of deforestation-induced community displacement in Ondo State, focusing on farming communities in Akure South and Ifedore local government areas. A descriptive survey approach is used, with 85 displaced community members and social workers surveyed through structured questionnaires and interview guides. Frequencies and percentages are used in analysis. The study finds that deforestation linked to logging and agricultural expansion has diminished farmland productivity, disrupted community livelihoods, and contributed to outmigration from affected areas. Social welfare consequences include food insecurity, increased conflict over remaining farmland, and family separation. Social workers operating within environmental agencies and local government welfare offices rarely engage with deforestation as a welfare issue, reflecting a gap between environmental management and social work practice. Recommendations include incorporating environmental social work competencies into Nigerian social work curricula, establishing multi-agency response teams for environmentally displaced communities, and training social workers to conduct social impact assessments of development projects with displacement potential. Keywords: deforestation, community displacement, social work, Ondo State, environmental welfare