Despite a long history of deforestation, the Sakponba Forest Reserve still contains significant biodiversity. Located in Edo State, Sakponba is an important producer of palm oil, cocoa, and cassava. Farmland accounts for 62% (33132 hectares) of the landscape, and oil palm production represents 16% (8647 hectares). Large plantations run by companies including Presco Nigeria Limited and Barnsley Nigeria dominate oil palm production.

The reserve has suffered severe deforestation and degradation since the mid-1980s. Illegal logging and the expansion of agricultural activities and oil palm concessions have driven land use changes. The speed of land conversion also heightens the risk posed by climate change. Between 1984 to 2024, there was a significant reduction in forest cover from 84% (45100 hectares) to just 17% (9272 hectares). Forest restoration sits at the heart of work in the landscape.

NISCOPS - Creating positive impact for people, planet and progress

National Initiatives for Sustainable and Climate Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS) is a partnership between IDH and Solidaridad. NISCOPS brings together key stakeholders to improve land use, create better incomes and promote inclusive markets.

Land ownership rights are a major cause of conflict in the Sakponba landscape. One of NISCOPS' key roles is to mediate between the local communities, the authorities, and private companies to create a coalition which will put community inclusion at the heart of sustainable production.

Improving land use

Between 1984 to 2024 farmland and oil palm plantations grew substantially in the landscape.  Efforts to protect High Conservation Value (HCV) and High Carbon Sink (HCS) areas have been undermined by encroachment from community members and external actors, including ‘land grabbing’ by housing developers.   The government aims to protect the remaining HCV and HCS areas in the oil palm concessions through the Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) compliance measures.

 Illegal logging continues to threaten biodiversity, weaken carbon sequestration capacity, and accelerate land degradation. However, the presence of regenerating forests suggests that, with proper conservation measures, the landscape can regain its ecological and carbon storage function. This reinfoces the need for reforestation and carbon credit opportunities. 

In Sakponba, 60% of farmland (19,879.2 hectares) is used for cultivating key crops such as cassava (56.99%), yam (30.65%), and maize (6.99%). These crops are central to food security for the 58,000 residents living in the reserve. Smallholder farmers are being supported by coalition partners with modern, climate smart farming practices, particularly for key commercial and food crops. 

Creating better incomes and inclusive markets

Agricultural farming is the main occupation for local communities with 94% of households primarily engaged in farming.  Smallholder farmers manage on average 3.95 hectares per household.  

IDH aims to provide smallholders with access to finance and community-based agricultural insurance models. A smallholder inclusive business program is also being developed with oil palm companies in the landscape. Skills training will be provided in beekeeping, craft production, trade, and small-scale business development, enhancing economic diversification and community resilience. 

Empowering women and youth

There are almost 20,000 women in the reserve (34% of the population). Women work in Non-Forest Timber Forest Production (NFTP) collection, such as fluted pumpkin leaves (245.61 tons/year) and bush mango (8.19 tons/year), small scale oil palm processing and craft activities.

The decline in forest canopy cover reduces NTFP activities.  Education is also a barrier to women and youth. Young people are primarily employed as farm laborers. To address these challenges, NISCOPS is working with community leaders to promote the formation of cooperatives and self-help groups. Women and young people will be invited to participate in inclusive business programs and skills training.

Support the Sakponba Forest Reserve

There are opportunities to invest in forest resoration, better incomes for smallholders and gender inclusivity. Support is also needed to help conserve the River Jameson for  liveihoods, marine biodiversity, and the ecotourism potential it holds.

Please click the ‘Contact the Initiative’ button on the left hand of the page to get in touch.