ASSESSMENT OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES IN PROMOTING CONSERVATION IN OPARA FOREST RESERVE IN IWAJOWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed indigenous knowledge and practices in promoting forest conservation in the Opara Forest Reserve, Iwajowa Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 111 respondents were randomly selected from three purposively chosen communities Itasa, Iwere-Ile, and Ilaji. Data were obtained through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression . Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were middle-aged and older individuals, with farmers (44%) and hunters (30%) forming the largest occupational groups. Indigenous practices such as rotational harvesting (56%), sacred groves (14%), controlled fire use (21%), and communal labour (45%) were widely employed in forest management. Knowledge transmission occurred mainly through observation and practice (54%), followed by oral tradition (24%). Respondents affirmed the positive impacts of these practices, with 74% reporting improved soil quality, 12% citing increased biodiversity, and 10% observing reduced tree loss. Furthermore, 92% of respondents considered these practices effective or very effective in conserving forests, and 97% agreed that areas managed under indigenous practices exhibited higher biodiversity. However, challenges included declining interest among younger generations (63%), lack of formal recognition (29%), and external pressures such as government regulations (27%) and industrial logging (23%).Despite these constraints, there was overwhelming support for integrating indigenous knowledge into formal forestry policies, with 90% strongly agreeing and 8% agreeing. Anticipated benefits included improved community participation (55%) and increased forest resilience (24%). Suggested solutions included youth education (36%), government recognition (25%), and training forestry officials on indigenous knowledge (66%).  Logistic regression analysis indicated aged 40–59 had significantly higher odds of reporting strong adherence to indigenous practice.The study concluded that indigenous knowledge significantly contributed to forest conservation and biodiversity in Opara Forest Reserve. Sustaining these practices requires institutional recognition, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and co-management frameworks that empower local communities to participate actively in forest governance