Exploitation of forest resources becomes a major problem when

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks when exploitation (use or harvesting) of forest resources becomes a major problem. In economics, this relates to conservation and sustainability.

Step 2: Explain the concept Forests are renewable resources. They can regenerate if trees are replanted (reforestation or afforestation) and harvesting is controlled. Exploitation is not a problem in itself. It becomes a problem when we take resources faster than they are replaced. This leads to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, desertification, and climate change effects, which are all issues Nigeria faces, for example in parts of the South-West and the Northern desert-prone areas.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Communities fight over ownership: This is a social or legal conflict. It does not by itself cause depletion of the resource.
• B. They are not renewed: Correct. If felled trees are not replaced through replanting, the forest stock steadily declines, and exploitation becomes unsustainable.
• C. They are neglected: Neglect is vague. Leaving a forest alone does not cause exploitation problems, and natural forests can regrow when left alone.
• D. The supply is fixed in the long-run: This describes non-renewable resources such as minerals, not forests, which can be replenished.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B.

Tip: In conservation questions, remember the key idea: renewable resources become a problem only when use exceeds replacement. Look for words like "not replanted" or "not renewed" in the options. Also remember the solution: afforestation, reforestation, and controlled logging.