Evaluation of Community-Based Plant Conservation Initiatives in the Montane Forests of Obudu, Cross River State

The montane forests of Obudu in Cross River State harbour exceptional floral diversity and several endemic species, yet community-based conservation initiatives protecting these resources have not been professionally evaluated for effectiveness or sustainability. This study evaluated three community-based plant conservation initiatives operating in communities bordering the Obudu Plateau and Boshi Extension Forest Reserve. Evaluation was conducted using the WWF project effectiveness framework adapted for botanical conservation, assessing biodiversity outcomes, community engagement quality, institutional sustainability, and programme governance. Data were collected through focus group discussions with 12 community conservation groups, individual interviews with 45 programme participants and conservation officers, and vegetation monitoring data from permanent plots established within programme areas. Biodiversity outcomes were assessed by comparing plant species richness trends in initiative areas versus non-initiative control areas over a 5-year period. Results showed that species richness increased by an average of 14% in initiative areas compared to a 9% decline in control areas. Community participation was rated as high in two of three initiatives, reflecting strong cultural attachment to forest resources. Institutional sustainability was rated as moderate, with all three initiatives remaining partially grant-dependent. Governance quality was highest in the initiative co-managed between the community and Cross River State Forestry Commission. The study concludes that community-based approaches are effective for plant conservation in Obudu montane forests when governance is shared with a professional institutional partner, and recommends formalising co-management frameworks across Obudu conservation initiatives.

Keywords: community conservation, montane forest, Obudu, plant diversity, Cross River State