By: Adetola B. O.; Romiluyi O. R.;
Abstract:
Involvement of neighboring communities of protected areas is essential for effective conservation of natural
resources in National Parks. This study aimed at determining the interactions of neighboring communities of
Okomu national park in park management and to assess their willingness to support conservation initiative. A
hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were randomly administered in twelve (12) communities around the park;
10 respondents were purposively selected in each community. Descriptive and inferential (chi-square) statistics
were used for data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that community involvement in park management is
high in information sharing (65%), tour guide (30.8%) and decision making (25.8%), while community
involvement as informant (spy) is low (10%), there was significant association between the respondent's sources of
income and level of involvement (P<0.05). However, 85% of respondents were willing to support conservation
initiative in the park. Barriers affecting community participation in park conservation include lack of framework to
involve communities in park management (66.6%), lack of facilities and incentives to communities (50%) and poor
sensitization and mobilization (40%). The study therefore recommends that coherent interaction of neighboring
communities of Okomu National park should be the major focus of the protected area manager for effective
conservation and management of wildlife resources in the park.
Keywords: community; conservation; participation; management; sensitization
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