PERCEPTION OF FOREST COMMUNITY DWELLERS TOWARDS CURBING ILLEGAL FELLING IN AKURE FOREST RESERVE (APONMU)

Illegal logging poses a significant threat to forest sustainability, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. This study investigates the perception of forest community dwellers toward curbing illegal felling in Akure Forest Reserve (Aponmu), Ondo State, Nigeria. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, data were collected from 100 respondents across four communities (Obada, Obadore, Kolawole, and Ipogun-Ayo) through convenience sampling. The findings reveal that 33% of respondents believe reducing corruption among forestry personnel would curb illegal logging, 29% support involving community members in forest patrols, and 25% attribute the persistence of illegal felling to political interference. A Chi-square test indicated no significant relationship (p > 0.05) between respondents’ educational level and their perception of illegal logging. Additionally, economic class was found to be independent of their stance on the issue (p = 0.60). The study underscores the need for community participation, stricter enforcement, and policy reforms to combat illegal felling effectively. It recommends fostering collaboration between government agencies and local communities to enhance conservation efforts and ensure sustainable forest management.