Analysis of Community-Based Anti-Poaching Strategies in Cross River State Forests

Community-based anti-poaching strategies have gained traction as a cost-effective complement to formal ranger enforcement in African protected areas, particularly in landscapes where community engagement and conservation co-ownership are high. In Cross River State, within Nigeria's South South geopolitical zone, several community scout and informant network programs have been piloted in collaboration with conservation NGOs operating in the Cross River National Park landscape. This study analyzes the design, implementation, and effectiveness of community-based anti-poaching strategies across four communities in the Oban Division of Cross River National Park. Using a theory of change framework, data were collected through program document review, semi-structured interviews with 60 community scouts and 20 program managers, and analysis of anti-poaching incident records. Spatial analysis of poaching incident data before and after program implementation was conducted to assess deterrence effects. Results indicate a 42 percent reduction in detected poaching incidents in communities with active scout programs, compared to a 9 percent reduction in control communities over the same period. Community scouts report higher motivation and program loyalty when linked to formal livelihood incentives rather than purely voluntary participation. Challenges include information leakage due to family ties between scouts and poachers, and inadequate communication equipment for remote area patrol. The study recommends the professionalization of community scout roles, investment in communication technology, and formal legal recognition of community anti-poaching activities under Nigerian wildlife law. Keywords: anti-poaching, community scouts, Cross River State, South South Nigeria, wildlife crime