Stakeholder Analysis and Conflict Resolution in the Management of Gombe State Forest Reserves

Natural resource conflicts in forest reserve management arise from competing claims among diverse stakeholder groups, and unresolved conflicts frequently undermine conservation outcomes across Nigerian state forest management systems. This study conducts a comprehensive stakeholder analysis and examines conflict resolution mechanisms in three active conflict situations in Gombe State forest reserves. The study employed qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews with 45 key informants drawn from state forestry officials, local government representatives, traditional rulers, farmers, and non-governmental organisations. Conflict mapping frameworks were used to categorise issues by type: boundary disputes, resource access rights, revenue sharing, and cultural heritage claims. Stakeholder power-interest matrices were constructed to guide analysis of influence and engagement priorities. Results reveal that boundary demarcation ambiguities between forest reserves and customary farmland represent the most intractable conflict type, exacerbated by colonial-era survey records that do not reflect contemporary settlement patterns. Revenue opacity from timber concessions was a consistent source of grievance among local government and community stakeholders. Alternative dispute resolution through traditional chieftaincy mediation was found to be faster and more durable than formal legal adjudication in two of three case studies. The study recommends establishment of participatory forest boundary review committees, transparent revenue audit and sharing mechanisms, and formal recognition of traditional mediation in the Gombe State Forestry Law. Keywords: stakeholder analysis, conflict resolution, forest reserves, Gombe State, forest governance