Abstract
The general objective of this study was to assess the relationship between some socio-economic variables of the citizens and participation in forest conservation in Ikom zone of the Cross River State Agricultural Development Project, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to describe some of the socio-economic variables of the people, ascertain the relationship between some socio-economic variables and their participation in forest conservation and to assess the level of participation of male and female citizens in forest conservation. Also, one research hypothesis was developed to test the level of participation of male and female citizens in forest conservation activities. A total of three hundred (300) respondents were randomly selected from three (3) local government areas (Boki, Ikom and Etung). Data were obtained with the aid of a validated questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using frequency count, percentages, chi-square and probit regression analysis. The result of the analysis revealed that a substantial proportion of the respondents were youth within the age range of 30-35 years and also educated, majority of the respondents had large family sizes (10-14 persons). Also, low income of 20,000 – 60,000 characterizes the status of most respondents with farming as their main occupation. It was also revealed that there is a significant variation between female and male level of participation in forest conservation, as men are more disposed to participate. The study therefore recommended that women should be trained to acquire necessary skills and credit facilities should be provided to citizens to motivate them to conserve the forest and its resources.Keywords: Citizens’ participation and forest conservation
Highlights
The new paradigm in most developmental interventions is participatory in nature, as participation which involves stakeholders in the planning and implementation of developmental programmes has recorded positive effects on development across the globe as against the top down approach which does not involve the beneficiaries of developmental programmes, instead, act on assumptions
Necessary to assess the relationship between some socio-economic variables and the level of male and female citizens’ participation in forest conservation in Ikom Agricultural Zone of Cross River State
Research Hypothesis There is no significant difference between the level of participation of male and female citizens in forest conservation activities
Summary
The new paradigm in most developmental interventions is participatory in nature, as participation which involves stakeholders in the planning and implementation of developmental programmes has recorded positive effects on development across the globe as against the top down approach which does not involve the beneficiaries of developmental programmes, instead, act on assumptions. Large family sizes suggests From the findings, the result of the analysis reveals that that forest resources could be under pressure by family 71.94% of the respondents were involved in farming as members struggling to satisfy livelihood needs such as their main occupation in the study area. Bhatt (1998) agrees that large level of significance, age is significant but negatively family size could rather lead to forest destruction rather related to community participation in forest conservation than promote conservation since more pressure will be activities, whereas gender is positive and significantly put on the resources as people try to survive. At 10% level of significance, income and Hypothesis 2: There is no significant difference family size were negative but significantly related to between the level of participation of male and female community participation in forest conservation This community members in forest conservation activities in suggests that people's involvement in forest the area. Level of participation/involvement in forest conservation Total X2 cal practices
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