Engagement of forest-dependent communities in the sustainable management of Akure forest reserve

Abstract

Sustainable forest management is linked to stakeholder involvement, openness, accountability of decision-makers, adherence to the rule of law, predictability, efficient and effective management of natural resources. It is essential in accomplishing the goal of good governance. This study was conducted to evaluate the involvement of the forest-dependent people in the management of the Akure forest Reserve in Ondo state, Nigeria. Two-hundred structured questionnaires were distributed to respondents in four specifically chosen communities out of the twelve communities bordering the Reserve. A total of fifty structured questionnaires were distributed to respondents in each of the four chosen localities. Data were examined using descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. The results revealed that the majority of the community's population consists of males (72.5%) and individuals aged 43 and above (38.5%), followed by individuals aged 31-36, accounting for 28.0% of the population. The majority of the residents (40.5%) visit the reserve on a daily basis, while thirty percent (30%) visit weekly to collect firewood and for agricultural production. The level of participation of community dwellers in Forest Management and Conservation is significantly influenced by their age (χ²= 9.456, df = 6, p = 0.024), marital status (χ² = 11.873, df = 2, p = 0.003), and occupation (χ²= 44.237, df = 4, p = 0.000). The primary endeavours undertaken by the inhabitants of the reserve are agricultural in nature. Age, household size, marital status and monthly income were the primary factors influencing their decision not to participate in forest governance in the Reserve