Evaluation of the Perceived Ecosystem Services Provided by Selected Sites: the Imo River, Rivers State, Nigeria

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The wetlands of the Niger Delta are home to a wide range of ecosystem services and are rich in biodiversity. The ecosystem services of selected sites along the Imo River, Rivers State were evaluated over the course of a year (April 2021 – March 2022) using structured questionnaires divided into two sections; Socio-economic characteristics of respondents (age group, gender, marital status, religion and occupation) and their perceived ecosystem services of the water bodies aside from fishing. The findings showed that the largest age range of respondents in Kono (25 (50%) fell between 31 and 40 years old, while Opuoko (23 (46%) and Oyigbo’s (27 (67.5%) age range fell between 41 and 50 years old. In Kono, Opuoko and Oyigbo respectively, males (50 (100%), 50 (100%), and 40 (100%) predominated. The majority of respondents were married; Kono 47, (94%), Opuoko 49, (98%), and Oyigbo 37, (92.5%). All respondents at the three selected sites were Christians (Kono 50, (100%), Opuoko 50 (100%), and Oyigbo 40 (100%); the majority of respondents were fishermen (Kono 47, (94%), Opuoko 49 (98%) and Oyigbo (37, (95%). In addition to fishing, respondents believed that Kono’s ecosystems provided transportation, fuel wood production and recreation. Sand mining, fuel wood production, recreation and transportation were the main ecosystem services provided in Opuoko. In Oyigbo the ecosystem provided recreation, fuel wood production and palm wine tapping. In conclusion, the Imo river provides a variety of ecosystem services to its residents; however, some of these services have not been fully utilized. As a result, it is recommended that residents be properly informed about the ecosystem services provided by the river as well as the need for proper monitoring and protection of the ecosystem from deterioration.