FOREST REGULATIONS AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY FOREST IN AKAMKPA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA.
Dr. Mrs. Remi Omoogun; Dr. Udumo, Bassey Obeten; Dr. Etuki Ebory Egbonyi; Asuqua, Edung Etim (PhD), Akpo, David Mbu;
Asanye, Gloria Ikpeme, Prof. Ajayi C. Omoogun,
Department of Environmental Education
Faculty of Science Education
University of Calabar, Calabar.
corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Abstract
This study examined Forest Regulations and sustainable management of community forest in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between forest regulations and sustainable management of community forest. From the purpose of the study a research question was raised which was converted to hypothesis to guide the study. Literature review was carried out based on the variables under study. Survey research design was considered appropriate for the study. Stratified sampling technique was utilized in selecting 390 respondents(residents) sampled for the study. A validated 15 items four-point modified Likert scale questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Face validity of the instrument was ascertained by two experts one in Educational Foundation (Test and Measurement Unit) and the other in Environmental Education Department; University of Calabar, Nigeria. The reliability estimate of the instrument was .80 using the Cronbach Alpha. To test the hypothesis formulated for the study, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation statistical tool was used. The hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The results obtained from analysis of data revealed that there is a significant relationship between forest regulation and sustainable management of community forest. The result also showed that, forest regulations have a significant relationship with sustainable management of community forest. It was therefore recommended that. Farmers and all forest users should be adequately and regularly sensitized through extension services on the need to desist from unsustainable logging and deforestation due to its impact on forest resource management.
Key words: Forest Regulations, Sustainable Management and Community Forest.