Practices and Perceptions of Foragers of Wild Resources in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

During the past decades, a growing body of literature has recognized the benefits (including ecological, social, economic, cultural, and psychological benefits) of foraging in urban and peri-urban environments. Particularly in the cities of sub-Saharan Africa, the collection and use of raw biological resources play an important role in people’s livelihood and well-being. However, perceptions of city residents regarding the collection of foraged resources within the African context and in Nigeria are rarely considered. Understanding how people perceive this practice can offer valuable insights into their attitudes and behaviors towards adhering to policies and management recommendations. This study reports the practices and perceptions of foraging in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria, using a random sample of 276 respondents. Data on foragers’ sociodemographic profiles, practices, and perceptions were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of this study showed that more than half (51%) of the respondents collected biological resources for food and medicine, mostly gathered along the streets. Further analysis showed that males (52%), the self-employed, older people (45–65 years), and people with tertiary education were more likely to forage. Overall, these results indicate that Lagos residents forage despite having both negative and positive feelings and beliefs about foraging. This information can be used to develop initiatives, programs, and policies to enhance foragers’ experiences and perceptions of foraging in Lagos and other African cities.