The Story of REDD+ in Nigeria: A Critical View of the Participation of Forest-Dependent Communities
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) programme aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve forest degradation in developing countries. This article analyses the extent of the involvement of forest-dependent communities in REDD+ activities in Nigeria. Drawing on insights from policy documents and scholarly research, we sought to understand the rationale behind involving forest-dependent communities in all stages of the REDD+ programme and the obstacles that impede local engagement in Nigeria. We draw on participatory approaches and our focus is on assessing the likely impacts of REDD+ activities on local forest practices, the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities and the concerns related to the misappropriation of forest benefits. First, we show that the effectiveness of the REDD+ programme in Nigeria hinges on the integration of local forest management practices employed by forest-dependent communities like the Ekuri community, who have a longstanding history of preserving forests. Second, we argue that to enhance the engagement of forest-dependent communities in REDD+ activities, a blend of strong participatory rights and deliberative democratic approaches that integrate relational values and embrace local forest practices are needed. These approaches, when combined, foster participation of forest-dependent communities and enrich not only Nigeria but also other countries of the global south facing similar challenges.
Authors: Noah Izoukumor, Jona Razzaque
Institution: University of the West of England
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4410413265