By: OYELEKE O. O.; OGUNNIYI O. J.;
Abstract:
This study was carried out to investigate the roles of Old Oyo National Park in improving the livelihood of the support zones communities. Observation techniques and interview methods were used for the study and the data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools. Results revealed that 6 out of the 68 communities surrounding the park had benefitted from the park in one way or the other. Five different types of development projects were executed which include borehole drilling, road development, supply of electricity poles, building of classrooms for school and construction of drainage and culvert. Other benefits derived by the support zone communities are provision of security, employment opportunity and provision of loan to the women in the communities. As the occupation of a greater percentage (73%) of support zone communities is farming, loss of farmland was a major negative way they have been affected. Only 2% were positively affected through improvement in their economy as a result of sales of souvenirs and other items to eco-tourists coming into the park. Suggestion was made on organizing empowerment training programme to actively engage youths in order to keep their focus off the protected area.
Keywords: Protected area, Park management, Support zones, Livelihood, Communities.
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