Effects of Local Government Autonomy on Natural Resources Management: A Case Study of Oluyole and Oriire LGAs, Oyo State, Nigeria

Devolution of power and fiscal autonomy to local governments is theorized to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of natural resource management (NRM). In Nigeria, despite constitutional provisions, local government areas (LGAs) often operate with limited autonomy, constrained by state and federal oversight. This study investigates the effects of local government autonomy on NRM within the contrasting contexts of Oluyole (a resource-rich, peri-urban LGA) and Oriire (a resource-dependent, rural LGA) in Oyo State.

Mixed-methods approach was employed. A systematic checklist was used to inventory flora and fauna across both LGAs, and a survey was administered to 400 households (200 per LGA) to assess perceptions of resource health and management effectiveness. 15 key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with LGA officials, community leaders, and state-level policymakers to explore institutional capacities, fiscal constraints, and inter-governmental dynamics.

Findings revealed a higher diversity of species in Oriire (Flora: 78 species, Fauna: 45 species) compared to Oluyole (Flora: 62 species, Fauna: 38 species) but showed a faster rate of resource depletion in Oluyole (p < 0.05). Survey results indicated significant dissatisfaction with NRM in both LGAs (Oluyole: 78%, Oriire: 72%). KIIs identified limited fiscal autonomy, political interference, and inadequate technical capacity as critical impediments. Oriire’s relative success in community-led forest management highlighted the potential of devolved authority.

Study concludes that meaningful local government autonomy, characterized by fiscal independence, enhanced technical capacity, and clear legislative frameworks, is a prerequisite for sustainable NRM. Current constraints severely limit LGAs' effectiveness. Recommendations include constitutional reforms to guarantee LGA fiscal autonomy, capacity-building programs, and the promotion of collaborative governance models that integrate local indigenous knowledge with formal management systems.