Abstract
The popular saying that, “no life without plants” is not an exaggeration. This is because plants are the primary producers and all other organisms depend directly or indirectly on them. Plants provide man with all he needs to survive in life; Instead of preserving the plants (or forest), man, by his activities destroy the forest on a daily basis. In Nigeria, deforestation activities have often led to violent conflicts. Various conflict resolution techniques and management strategies have been employed to no avail. Yet these conflicts continue to reoccur. The root cause of these conflicts have not been determined. Hence this study focused on uncovering the remote and immediate causes of these conflict, propose possible and lasting solutions and devise rehabilitation strategies for the actors in the conflict to prevent reoccurrence.
Both primary and secondary sources were used in conducting the research. Primary sources include the conduct of focused group discussions and interviews. Secondary sources include the use of relevant literatures that have been written in respect to resource generated conflicts, and also articles, journals and others.
Findings showed that the forest is an important repository for meeting man’s economic and welfare need as depicted by respondents. clamour for medicinal uses, farming and other economic activities, food and other forest products, religion/idol worship, hunting, political/social, and so on, are the major reasons while conflicts occur in the study area. Findings also revealed that both villagers and village heads were involved actively in rent-seeking activities, which when gone sour, often leads to conflict.
To curtail reoccurrence of such conflicts, a framework for reduction of deforestation and management of conflict where it arises should be organized at the village or community level. Environmental awareness education should also be included in the primary and post primary school curricula.
