Assessment of Community Environmental Governance Arrangements for Forest Reserves in Cross River State

This study assesses community environmental governance arrangements for protected forest reserves in Cross River State, South South Nigeria. Cross River State hosts some of Nigeria's largest remaining lowland tropical rainforest, and a network of community forestry agreements and forest management committees has been established to involve local communities in conservation governance alongside the State Forestry Commission. Four community forest management areas in Boki, Obudu, and Etung Local Government Areas were selected as case study sites. Governance quality was assessed using a structured institutional assessment tool adapted from Ostrom's design principles for effective common resource governance, covering clearly defined boundaries, proportionate rules, collective choice arrangements, monitoring, graduated sanctions, conflict resolution mechanisms, and recognition by external authorities. Data were gathered through key informant interviews with thirty community forestry committee members, fifteen Forestry Commission officers, and seven civil society organisation representatives. Results show that community forestry committees in three of four assessed areas have well-defined boundaries and rule-making processes, consistent with Ostrom's first two principles. Monitoring is inadequate at all four sites due to inadequate equipment and funding. Conflict resolution mechanisms exist but are rarely accessed due to social norms discouraging formal grievance procedures. External recognition from state authorities is inconsistent, with two committees lacking formal legal standing. The most effective governance arrangement is associated with a site where an international conservation NGO provides consistent technical and financial support. The study recommends formalising all community forestry committees under state legislation with associated rights and obligations. Keywords: community governance, forest management, Cross River State, Ostrom, conservation institutions.