Conflicts and Conflict Resolution over Classified Forests Resources of Maradi Region, Niger Republic

Conflict management is a key building block of forest governance; it has received little or no consideration in most of the ongoing governance reforms in Niger Republic. Understanding and finding the means to deal with conflicts related to utilization of forest resources became an important research area under the Governance for Sustainable Forests related to the livelihoods programme. The study aims to examine the nature and form of conflicts over Bakabé, Dan Kanda and Kandamo classified forests resources in Maradi Region. Data were collected through literature review, questionnaires and focus group discussions within villages around classified forests. The method of analysis applied involves descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test). The research identified major types of conflicts as farmer - farmer, pastoralists - farmers and agro- pastoralists; conflicts between farmers and village chiefs and conflicts between local communities and the forestry departments. There was significant difference in the frequency of conflicts between seasons around Bakabé and Dan Kada classified forests with χ2-values of 15.53 and 9.20 which are all significant at 0.05 level. There is no significant difference in the frequency of conflicts between seasons in Kandamo classified forest because the forest is not subjected to cropland contract. The effectiveness of both the traditional and modern mechanisms of protection is generally weak, with huge implications on sustainable development. There is a need for government at all levels to prioritize the management of conflicts over classified forests so that there will be a sustainability of crops and livestock productivity for better livelihoods in the rural communities.