Abstract
Forests provide vital ecosystem services that support rural livelihoods, yet their socio-economic importance remains poorly documented in Nigeria.
Increasing deforestation and unsustainable land use threaten these resources and the well-being of forest-dependent communities. This study
assessed how different forest ecosystem service categories influence livelihood activities in selected forest communities of Ondo and Kwara States,
Nigeria. The research was conducted across three ecological zones Tropical Rainforest, Derived Savanna, and Guinea Savanna. Data were
collected from 480 respondents using structured questionnaires administered to households located within 1–2 km of forest reserves. Descriptive
statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed significant variation in the contributions of ecosystem services across ecological zones.
In the Tropical Rainforest of Ondo State, dependence on forest income was highest in Ajowa (88%), Ala (82%), and Mofere (80%), while Aponmu
recorded the lowest at 60%. Communities in the Derived Savanna relied moderately on provisioning services, particularly fuelwood and NTFPs,
but also engaged in extractive activities such as granite and clay collection. The Guinea Savanna zone recorded the least benefits, with limited
access to provisioning, regulating, and supporting services, underscoring its ecological vulnerability. Cultural services such as sacred groves and
spiritual practices were present but declining due to weakened traditional conservation values. The study concludes that forest ecosystem services
play a vigorous role in sustaining livelihoods, although their benefits are unevenly distributed across ecological zones. It recommends promoting
sustainable forest management, strengthening community-based governance, expanding agroforestry practices, and supporting reforestation to
secure the long-term availability of forest ecosystem services in Nigeria.
Keywords: Forest ecosystem services, Livelihood activities, Tropical Rainforest, Derived Savanna, Guinea Savanna and
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