CONFLICTS BETWEEN FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURAL LAND – USES IN OGUN STATE

Clash of interests between custodians of government Forest Reserves (FRs) in Ogun State and farmers operating within them, often results in conflicts causing disruption of socio-economic activities and sometimes loss of lives. Information on the causes and effects of these clashes would better inform policy makers and forestry professionals on workable and sustainable land-use practice. Therefore, factors responsible for such conflicts and their effects were investigated. Seven hundred and fifty farmers were randomly selected based on probability proportionate to size from 72 enclaves. This represents 30% of the total number of enclaves in the nine FRs in the State. In addition, 30% of staff of Ministries of Forestry and Agriculture (72 and 32 respectively) were randomly selected for questionnaire administration. Furthermore, 30% (32) of the timber contractors operating within the FRs were randomly selected for interview using an interview schedule. Data were collected on existence, causes and effects of conflicts, land hunger, accessibility to forestland and farming systems practised. Secondary data on the thrust of subsisting forestry and agricultural policies were obtained from the State Agricultural Policy, Federal land-use Act of 1978 and reports from the State Ministry of Forestry. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit model at p