Abstract
This study sought to evaluate the environmental consequences of deforestation trends and patterns in the Ma‟an Sub-Division which extends to over 50 villages and is located in Vallée-du-Ntem Division in the South Region of Cameroon. It sought to find out if the increasing environmental consequences of deforestation in Ma‟an are mainly driven by increased forest logging for commercial purposes or as increased demand for agricultural land, and increased population.

The study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection from both primary and secondary sources. Data analysis was made using both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics. The chi square test was used to verify the hypotheses of the study by finding out if the independent variables had a bearing with the dependent variables. Qualitative data was analyzed using interpretative methods whereby, patterns were drawn from concepts and insights raised by informants. Illustrative responses and in some cases, individual (anonymous) responses have been presented to show some of the content of the qualitative data collected. The field study took place between February 2016 and October 2016.

The study adopted the survey research design in undertaking this systematic enquiry. This was adopted to help acquire knowledge on the current situation (trends) with regards to the phenomenon under consideration. The respondents for the study comprised Farmers, Municipal Meteorological Department, Forestry companies and forestry departmental units and Municipal Agricultural Development Units. The study showed that, the farmers in the study area are largely engaged in the cultivation of food crops which are mainly subsistence in nature. It was realized that the forestry companies also clear cut forest for commercial purposes without a corresponding reforestation.

The study showed that deforestation has affected water quality, soil degradation, biodiversity depletion and the patterns of rainfall have greatly been influenced with high temperatures than what existed before. It was also reviewed that the exploitation of timber has created employment, contributed to infrastructural development through the construction of roads, hospitals, classrooms in the area.

The study found lasting sustainable measures among other things, the continuous education and sensitization of farmers, creation of a sense of belonging to the communities involved, a more sustainable logging method, an effective forest management strategies, provision of alternative sources of fuel such as gas and kerosene for cooking through subsidies prices, strengthening of the public institution stakeholders and promotion of active research that will ensure a decline in deforestation.