Evaluation of Occurrence and Resolution of Conflicts in and around Forest Reserves in Ondo State, Nigeria
Adedayo, A. G.
Citation : Adedayo, A. G., Evaluation of Occurrence and Resolution of Conflicts in and around Forest Reserves in Ondo State, Nigeria International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences 2019, 5(3) : 8-18.
Conflicts occur in forest reserves in Nigeria due to the multiple uses of the forest. This paper therefore seeks to identify types of conflicts that have occurred in forest reserves of Ondo state, Nigeria, examine causes of conflicts and examine how conflicts are resolved. Four forest reserves were selected based on the ecological zones in the study area. One forest reserve in mangrove forest and derived savanna and two forest reserves in the lowland rain forest. Four forest communities were randomly selected from each of the sampled forest reserves. Semi- structured questionnaire were used to obtain information from twenty randomly selected household heads in each sampled forest community. In addition 15 forestry personnel from each sampled forest reserve were randomly selected. The result of the study showed that types of conflicts that have occurred in forest reserves of the study area include disputes between forest communities, disputes between foresters and forest concessionaires and disputes between herdsmen and farmers. Causes of conflicts include boundary encroachment, herdsmen invasion and illegal felling. Chi-square test shows that the involvement of foresters in conflict resolution is dependent on their working experience. Conflicts are resolved through meetings between forestry officials, community leaders and the contending parties.