Community Forest Governance and Non-Timber Forest Product Livelihoods: A Comparative Analysis from the Cross River Rainforest, Nigeria

Community forest governance is a critical determinant of livelihood outcomes in tropical forest regions, yet the specific mechanisms linking governance structures to non-timber forest product (NTFP) income remain under-examined in the West African context. This study comparatively analyses how differing community forest user group (CFUG) governance characteristics influence the generation and distribution of NTFP-based livelihoods. A mixed-methods comparative case study was conducted across four purposively selected CFUGs. Data collection involved household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observation of governance meetings. CFUGs with inclusive, transparent decision-making and equitable benefit-sharing rules generated 40% higher average NTFP income per household than those with hierarchical governance. A key theme was that gender-inclusive leadership directly correlated with enhanced market access for women's primary NTFPs. The formal architecture of community forestry is less impactful on livelihood outcomes than the internal social and procedural equity of the user groups themselves. Policy interventions should prioritise supporting participatory governance processes within existing community forestry institutions over establishing new forest management areas. Donor programmes must integrate explicit gender equity and leadership training components. community forestry, forest governance, non-timber forest products, livelihoods, Nigeria, comparative case study This paper provides novel empirical evidence on the internal social equity mechanisms within CFUGs that mediate NTFP livelihood outcomes, moving beyond a focus on formal tenure or management plans.