Indigenous Forest Management Practices and localized conflict in forest dependent communities in Central Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study, "Indigenous Forest Management Practices and Localized Conflict in Forest-Dependent Communities in Central Cross River State, Nigeria," investigates the critical disconnect between traditional resource stewardship and modern government conservation policies. The aim was to explore the intrinsic values of forest resources, document Indigenous Forest Management Practices (IFMPs), and analyse the factors causing community dissatisfaction and conflict in policy implementation. Employing a survey approach utilising 245 questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and interviews across 13 forest-dependent communities, the research collected primary data on resource use, IFMPs, and perceptions of government policies. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were proposed to interpret the data. The key findings reveal that the forest serves indispensable utilitarian and cultural roles, validated by effective IFMPs. However, a significant majority of respondents identified top-down, non-participatory policy implementation as the primary source of localized conflict. This policy approach has resulted in a pervasive lack of awareness and a strongly perceived negative economic impact on community livelihoods due to restrictive forest access. The study recommends a fundamental policy shift, including the institutional integration of IFMPs, the mandating of bottom-up policy formulation, and a strategic pivot to livelihood-enhancing programmes based on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Additionally, establishing official conflict resolution mechanisms and launching targeted policy awareness campaigns are crucial for sustainable and equitable forest governance.