Resident Perception of Forest Resource Management in Selected Communities in Ede South Local Government, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined residents’ perceptions of how forest resources are maintained and managed in Osun State, Nigeria's Ede South local government. The primary data were obtained by randomly selecting community members to receive questionnaires. The data was examined using cross tabulation, linear regression, and correlation.  The analysis's findings indicate that 86% of the respondents are already aware of the need to save forests. The respondents are 48 years old on average. The majority of respondents (67.1%) believed that if the government is allowed to control the forest resources, they can be managed more effectively. According to the survey, only 20% of respondents had a low level of understanding regarding community-based forest resource management. The majority of respondents (41%) don't know what they stand to gain from this strategy. 41% of them hold the view that the government owns the forest and should therefore be responsible for managing it, not them. In order to manage forest resources sustainably, community members should have the opportunity to participate in decision-making. Young professionals should also be involved.