Community perceptions on conservation management and sustainability around the protected area reserves in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

Community participation in conserving forests and biodiversity is crucial. This study evaluates community involvement in forest conservation around three gazetted forest reserves in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. The study examined community perceptions of forest ownership and management, explored community involvement in forest conservation, and assessed perceptions of future sustainability in forest management. Using a mixed methods approach, including household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, information was obtained from forest-dependent communities. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the three forest reserves from the state's geopolitical zones, considering accessibility and security. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were performed using SPSS and NVivo. Findings show mixed understanding regarding government ownership of forest reserves. Most participants reported involvement in conservation strategies like tree planting and protecting desirable trees, primarily for economic reasons, despite shrinking forest cover. However, they expressed concern about biodiversity loss, including the disappearance of large mammals and other wildlife from the reserves, alongside other environmental impacts. The study found that utilizing community and government laws, physically demarcating zones within protected areas with buffer zones, and establishing alternative livelihoods could be effective strategies for sustainability within these reserves. Importantly, cultural traditions-including sacred sites, shrine-based protection practices, and customary rules that restrict harmful forest use-play a significant role in shaping conservation behaviour. These cultural systems act as informal governance mechanisms that complement state regulations, demonstrating that sustaining cultural practices is vital for long-term forest conservation. Integrating local knowledge within government institutions, such as the Forestry Commission, in collaboration with local administrative authorities, is crucial for promoting tree planting, implementing policies, and increasing surveillance and security in protected forest areas. These actions can help to ensure effective management and the conservation of these regions for the benefit of communities, society at large, and future generations.