Forest Conservation and Human Security Outcomes: The Role of Local Communities in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the role of local communities in forest conservation and its impact on human security in Ondo State, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional survey design across selected six forest reserve communities in Ondo State. Employing a mixed-methods approach with a multi-stage sampling strategy, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, multiple linear regression, and Chi-Square tests. Findings reveal that corruption and lack of transparency, weak institutional capacity, restrictive government policies, lack of awareness and education, and poor communication are significant barriers to community participation, collectively accounting for 91.454% of variance and exacerbating human insecurity. Policy recommendations include enhancing transparency, strengthening institutions, reforming policies, increasing awareness, empowering communities, and improving government-community communication to foster effective forest conservation and enhance human security outcomes