Stakeholder Assessment of Forest Governance and Logging Practises in Nigeria and Cameroon

Abstract

Stakeholder participatory appraisal of forest governance and logging enterprise in Nigeria and Cameroon was done to pool knowledge and proffer recommendations for advancement. The study employed the use of structured questionnaire, field survey and stakeholder workshop to assess harvest management and log tracking modes, economic and revenue motivation to deforest, payoffs to identified stakeholders, governance influence, environmental awareness and capacity building efforts, inclination to reduced impact logging (RIL) and effectiveness of forest policy instruments. All the stakeholders affirmed that multi-stakeholder partnership in forest harvesting shall improve socio-economic and environmental capital. The stakeholders clamored for improved education and extension to propagate key messages underpinning RIL and appealed for improved forest law enforcement. Over 80% agreed that a change in the current forest governance structure is necessary to accommodate the FAO model code of forest harvesting. It is finally concluded that effective codes of forest practice in Nigeria and Cameroon cannot be developed in isolation of potential users and interested parties. Thus, to fast-track a credible mechanism for effective and environmentally sustainable logging, it would be rewarding to enlist the stakeholders meaningful participation.