Dependence on Forest Resources, and Community Perception of Existing Management Strategies of Akure-Ofosu, Oluwa, and Akure Forest Reserves in Southwest Nigeria

A good understanding of community use and perception existing forest conservation management practices plays a significant role in achieving objectives. This study investigated the level dependence on resources, strategies Akure-Ofosu, Oluwa, Akure reserves southwest Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. semi-structured questionnaire key informant interviews were used to engage total 150 households three heads within 5 km reserves, including Ala-Elefosan, Onipetesi, Aponmu communities respectively, for data collection. Data obtained revealed that majority (72, 94, 76%) respondents depend forestland crop farming, which could account alarming rate decline forestlands. large number across areas also reported are reinforcing household poverty as they not able farm freely reserve. The further gave credence high meet basic needs subsistence concluded current measures hold possibility conflicts illegal activities region. It is therefore suggested an integrated approach engages decision-making processes through inclusive governance, can address mutual exclusivity between livelihoods should be put place.