An Institutional Study of the Administration of Forest Reserves in Osun State

Abstract

"The administration of forest reserves in Nigeria is now at the crossroads concerning their sustainable use and their ability to meet human needs. Over the years, the administration of the renewable natural resources has been monopolised by the state government within the federal structure in Nigeria. The failure to involve forest users and the other levels of government, especially the local government, in their administration has apparently led to their inability to generate benefits to meet human needs across generations. Yet their ability to meet intergenerational needs requires the involvement of the stakeholders in decision making and implementation.

"This study is focused on the administration of forest reserves in Osun State. The need for the study was informed by the importance of forest reserves to human survival. The study critically examined the administration of forest reserves in Osun State by the state government acting through its Forestry Department; determined the extent to which forest users participate in the administration of forest reserves in Osun State and the implications of such involvement in terms of governance; and suggested a better approach to their administration.

"The Institutional Analysis Approach was used as the framework for the study. Both primary and secondary sources of data collection were employed for the study. Primary data were obtained through the use of questionnaire and structured interviews. Secondary data were sourced from the library and official documents.

"The study discovered that sustainable administration of forest reserves is yet to be realised in Osun State whose forest reserves have shrunk by about 78 % over the years through unguided tree-felling. In the face of this crisis, the administration of the reserves has been and remains the exclusive preserve of the Osun State Government acting through its Forestry Department. To resolve this crisis, the study recommends the involvement of forest users in administering the natural resources.

"The need to involve forest users in the administration of forest reserves in Osun State is confirmed by the findings of the study. It was discovered that the efforts of forest users' associations, especially those of timber-contractors, though not officially recognised, have often complemented those of Osun State's forestry personnel in Zonal Offices in reducing illegal exploitation. It was further discovered that the poor salaries and wages of the forestry staff has contributed to illegal exploitation in the forest reserves - as they could easily be induced with money. It is therefore also recommended that a better remuneration package be arranged for forestry staff in Osun State."