Assessment of the collaboration between Ekiti State Forestry Commission and non-governmental organization [NGOS] towards the development of forestry sub-sectors in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the collaboration between Ekiti State Forestry Commission and the Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) towards the development of forestry sub-sectors in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Directors and the Deputy Directors were purposively selected in the Commission based on the hierarchy in the service and were interviewed through semi-structured questionnaire. Through the collaboration with the NGOs in the State, the Commission has been able to established one hundred and ninety-seven hectares (197ha) of both Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis plantation in the free areas (Table 2) (private sector) while one hundred and fifty-five hectares (155ha) of plantation of Terminalia superba, Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis were also established (Table 3) in the government forest reserve. As a result of collaboration between the Commission and NGOs there was an increase in the participation of private tree growers in forest plantation development in Ekiti State. The Forestry Commission and the NGOs meet often and engaged in both closed and opened form of collaboration. The commission is committed to the effectiveness of the NGOs by recommending them to International Donor Agencies and Organizations and giving land to them to operate. As part of the commitment, the Commission regularly meet with the NGOs to assess and review its achievements and make necessary inputs to enhance productivity. Despite their valuable contributions, NGOs face significant obstacles, including insufficient funding and communication breakdowns among stakeholders. Therefore, the study recommended that Ekiti State Government should support the NGOs, to promote, expand and strengthen the roles of NGOs by giving financial support through grants and giving of loan.