Abstract:
The involvement of local communities in forest management is crucial for sustainable forest management since it enhances local expertise, increases accountability and legitimacy. However, participation of community members of Bobiri and Southern Scarp Forest reserves are low in its management. This study explored stakeholder participation and sustainable community-based forestry in the Bobiri and Southern Scarp Forest Reserves. Employing Social Exchange and Rational Choice Institutional theories, the study used a concurrent mixed-method approach with an interview schedule, interview guide, focus group discussion guide and observation checklist as its data collection tools. The study selected 431 community members and 58 key informants through multistage, purposive and convenient sampling techniques. Various analytical tools such as analytic induction, stakeholder analysis, document review and multinomial logistic regression were applied. The study found that formal rules such as state policies, buffer zones and the Taungya system as well as informal rules in the form of taboos were used to manage the reserves. Additionally, challenges such as meagre Social Responsibility Agreement payments, lack of trust, and illegal chainsaw operations affected the reserves management. Despite the availability of policies promoting community participation, the level of community involvement was low. However, factors such as duration of stay and educational level enhanced community engagement. The study recommends establishing a community forestry unit at the local level to serve as a knowledge synthesis centre, conflict resolution hub, and promoter of the Forestry Services Division's development agenda and local community aspirations.
