Perceived Legitimacy in the Use of Resources in the Protected Areas: A Study of Buffer Zones in Kainji Lake National Park, Niger State

Abstract

Objective: The study examines the people’s knowledge and awareness of what protected areas entail, the usage pattern of resources within the protected areas and their views on legality and legitimacy in the use of these resources. Methods: The study made use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods in data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency and simple percentage while qualitative data were content analyzed. Result: The respondents demonstrated high level of knowledge and awareness of protected areas. There are defaulters who forage within the protected areas despite the restriction imposed by the law. Handful of conformists to these laws was equally established. Series of justifications were made for the continuous usage of these resources, however, poverty and inequalities formed the basic cause of defaulting. Conclusions: In spite of various sanctions being imposed as deterrents against defaulting, some people still persist in the act. From the respondents’ perspectives of what constitute legality and legitimacy in the use of resources within the protected areas, it shows that the stakeholders still have a lot to do in terms of awareness creation among the people.