Community Participation in Conservation and Management of Cultural Heritage Resources in Yoruba Ethnic Group of South Western Nigeria

Abstract

The sustainability of cultural heritage resources is strongly linked to the effective participation of local communities in the conservation and management of these resources. This forms the basis for undertaken this project in the selected communities in Ondo and Ekiti State of Yoruba ethnic groups of South Western Nigeria. Multiple research methods were employed for this study including Key Informants Interview and administration of structured questionnaire to the purposively selected respondents. A sample of 768 respondents was selected from the total population of 895,406 using sample determination method. The selection of respondents was based on their proximity to the resources, their local knowledge, communal ownership, disposition and willingness to participate in the study. The data collected was rated on a 5 point Likert scale and then subjected to the weighted mean analysis. Spearman correlation and linear regression were used to test hypotheses in order to established relationships between sociodemographic characteristics and level of community participation. Output from this research, emphasizes the need to improve the state of heritage properties through effective conservation and sustainable management practices and increasing community involvement and participation. This will serve as a blueprint and developmental framework for policymakers in heritage resources conservation and management with the intention of linking these resources to increase direct economic benefits to local communities.