Joint forest management approach as a prospective option for salvaging Omo-Shasha-Oluwa forest complex, Nigeria

Abstract

Rare experiences exist in Nigeria on the framework to fully incorporate local community stakeholders into options to restore and sustain forest reserves under a Joint Forest Management Approach (JFMA). This study, thus, investigated the prospects of JFMA through collaboration of the local community members with the state forestry service as well as factors, constraints, and incentives that will influence the community stakeholder’s willingness to participate in forest management planning, decision-making and was carried out in Omo-Shasha-Oluwa Forest Complex, Nigeria (OSOFCN). Fifteen (15) enclave and migrant communities adjoining OSOFCN were randomly selected. Community stakeholders’ oral interviews, questionnaire surveys, and focus group discussions were used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, a multinomial logistic model at α = 0.05, and content analysis. The result revealed that the majority of the respondents (78.5%) were willing to collaborate with the State Forestry Service in the JFMA. Nativity status (OR = 7.22), derived benefits from the forest resources (OR = 5.467), non-financial incentives (OR = 4.349), provision of social amenities (OR = 4.023), awareness (OR = 3.734), years of experience (OR = 3.227), customs guiding the community people (OR = 2.78), gender (OR = 2.060), and occupation (OR = 1.456) were the determinant factors that tend to influence the communities’ stakeholder participation in JFMA. The incentives identified by the local communities that would prompt their interest and participation in JFMA include equitable benefit sharing (19%), involvement in decision-making (26%), and government support in provision of amenities (13%). Joint forest management has high potential to foster sustainable management of forest reserves.