STRENGTHENING FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY MINDSET FOR LONG-TERM FOREST CONSERVATION IN AKAMKPA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE

Dr. Ushie, Augustine Onyi

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ORCID 0009-0007-5352-7796

Department of Environmental Education,

University of Calabar, Nigeria.

Dr. Igwebuike Osedumme

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Department of Curriculum and Teaching,

University of Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the role of forest stewardship and sustainability mindset in strengthening long-term forest conservation in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. The population of the study is 263,919 inhabitants. Forest stewardship was examined in terms of responsible resource management and community participation, while that of sustainability mindset was environmental responsibility and commitment to sustainable practices. Adopting a descriptive survey design, the study sampled 400 respondents including community members, forest-dependent households, environmental officers, and relevant stakeholders using a multistage sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire titled Forest Stewardship, Sustainability Mindset and Forest Conservation Questionnaire (FSSMFCQ). The data analyses were carried out using frequences and percentages to answer the research questions. And Pearson Product Moment Correlation and simple linear regression was use to analyze the hypotheses at a .05 significance level. Findings revealed that forest stewardship significantly relates to long-term forest conservation through responsible resource use, community participation, forest protection, and restoration. Additionally, a sustainability mindset significantly influences long-term conservation by fostering environmental responsibility, conservation-oriented attitudes, and sustainable practices. The study recommends that government agencies, environmental organizations, and community leaders strengthen stewardship programs, promote sustainability education, and encourage community-based conservation initiatives to ensure long-term forest protection.

Keywords: Forest Stewardship, Sustainability Mindset, Forest Conservation, Environmental Responsibility. DOWNLOAD PDF