Assessment of Deforestation Drivers in Omo Forest Reserve, Ogun State

Omo Forest Reserve in Ogun State, within Nigeria's South West geopolitical zone, is one of the most ecologically significant lowland rainforest reserves in West Africa, supporting diverse fauna and serving as a critical watershed. However, escalating deforestation within and around the reserve poses serious threats to biodiversity and local ecosystem services. This study examines the primary drivers and spatial extent of deforestation in the reserve using a combination of remote sensing analysis and community-based surveys. Landsat imagery from 2018 to 2023 was processed to quantify forest cover change using supervised classification. Concurrently, structured interviews were conducted with 200 households in eight communities adjacent to the reserve to assess socioeconomic drivers of forest encroachment. Results indicate a net forest loss of approximately 12,400 hectares over the five-year period, with the highest rates of clearance observed in the southern and eastern sections of the reserve. Agricultural expansion, charcoal production, and timber extraction were identified as the dominant proximate causes, with underlying drivers linked to poverty, limited alternative livelihoods, and weak enforcement of forest protection regulations. The study recommends the implementation of community forestry agreements, enhanced patrol systems, and income generation programs targeting reserve-edge communities. These findings are intended to inform Ogun State Forestry Commission policy on forest governance and community co-management. Keywords: deforestation, Omo Forest Reserve, remote sensing, South West Nigeria, community forestry