The story of REDD+ in Nigeria: A critical view of the participation of forest-dependent communities

Izoukumor, Noah; Razzaque, Jona

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.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 26, 2024
• Online Publication Date: May 15, 2025
• Publication Date: May 31, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jul 7, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 15, 2025
• Journal: African Journal of International and Comparative Law
• Print ISSN: 0954-8890
• Electronic ISSN: 1755-1609
• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 33
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 284-311
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3366/ajicl.2025.0525
• Keywords: Forest; Nigeria; Climate Change; REDD+; REDD+ Readiness Programme; local engagement; forest-dependent communities
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/12086676