Influence of Public Participation on Sustainable Forest Management in Sokoto State, Nigeria

This study investigates the influence of public participation on sustainable forest management (SFM) in Sokoto State, Nigeria. A region faced with severe forest degradation due to anthropogenic and climatic pressures. The research focuses on the demographic characteristics of the respondents, the effects of public participation on sustainable forest management practices (Plantation establishment and management, harvesting practices, Afforestation and Reforestation and Forest Restoration), benefits and challenges of involving local communities in forest management. Data were collected through structured questionnaires involving 115 participants. An interview was also conducted in 10 organizations on SFM. The data were analyzed descriptively. The research reveals a nearly equal gender distribution (51.3%, male, and 48.7%, female) with the majority (89.5%) between 21-30 years and majorly (72.2%) students by occupation. The research also highlights plantation establishment (57.4%) and afforestation/reforestation (29.6%) as the predominant sustainable forest management practices in Sokoto. Findings reveal that public participation significantly enhances SFM, with 77.4% of respondents reporting a positive impact. Environmental (57.4%) and educational (27.8%) benefits were the most perceived benefits. Micro-climate regulation (43.5%) was the major environmental benefit observed. Despite these gains, key challenges such as lack of awareness (45.2%) and funding constraints (32.2%) hinder broader engagement and effective public participation. The study concludes that economic incentives and public awareness should be emphasized, to sustain SFM initiatives. This paper draws attention to the essence of participatory approaches that align local community involvement with environmental restoration strategies, providing a blueprint for forest management in semi-arid regions.