Understanding Local Perspectives on the Trajectory and Drivers of Gazetted Forest Reserve Change in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

Understanding forest cover change and its drivers is vital for global forest management and policy development. This study analysed perceptions of historical drivers behind land use land cover change (LULCC) and forest change in gazetted forests from 1966 to 2020 and evaluated the human activities around the gazetted forest reserves, comparing three forests in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Three gazetted forests were sampled to represent the three senatorial districts of the state. SPSS, NVivo, and Python 3 were used for data analyses to generate statistics and code themes. Results show that changes were perceived to be triggered by sixteen drivers (direct and indirect) related to social, economic, environmental, policy/institutional, and technological elements. Agricultural expansion, lumbering, and charcoal production were the most reported direct drivers, while population growth, poverty, and government policies were the most perceived indirect drivers. The results showed variations in human activities across forest sites. For example, agricultural expansion, lumbering, and grazing were more widespread while construction and settlement activities differed between forests. Risha saw agriculture expansion ahead of other drivers, Doma saw population growth above other drivers, and Odu saw lumbering aiding other drivers that led to change. Implementation of policies focusing on these key drivers must match local priorities to engage people in forest conservation. These efforts could ensure effective forest protection that is vital for achieving global biodiversity and climate targets and safeguarding local livelihoods. The specific drivers of changes in each forest need to be targeted in conservation efforts.