Ayodeji P. Ifegbesan, Solomon W. Zitta

Keywords: Rural dwellers, forest, conservation, resources, environmental education, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines attitudes and practices of forest resource conservation among rural dwellers in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. The paper explored elements influencing disparities in forest resource conservation among these rural dwellers. Through stratified random sampling, three hundred (300) households were selected for questionnaire administration. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, means and Pearson-product moment correlation. The study revealed that there are numerous uses for forest resources, including those for energy and fiber production, construction, and the production of food and medicine. The study’s results showed positive attitudes and practices towards forest resources conservation. Religion was found to be related to attitude to forest conservation. Also, educational background showed a positive relationship with attitudes and practice. Consequently, it is observed that forest resources are utilized in a wide range of ways. The study recommends that rural communities in Ogun State, Nigeria be exposed to holistic, community-based environmental education programmes.

Author Biography

Ayodeji P. Ifegbesan, Ph.D.

Department of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Education,

Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. 

Email: ifegbesan.ayodeji@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng

Solomon W. Zitta, Ph.D.

Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences,

Plateau State University, Bokkos, Nigeria.

Corresponding author; wuyepsolomon@plasu.edu.ng

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