Attitudinal change to the environment in Sansani and Kuble Communities of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria.

Abstract

Rural communities, besides been directly associated with the environment have a lots to offer in efforts that are geared towards environmental management, which will subsequently improve their livelihood. Therefore, unless they are adequately sensitized and educated on the causes of environmental degradation and how it fuels poverty, they may not be in the position to understand, appreciate and embrace the teaching to practice what is right and avoid what is wrong. The study analyzes the stages of behavioral changes as a result of knowledge acquired on environmental concern in two communities around Kainji Lake National Park. The methods adopted involved semi structured interview, questionnaire administration and focus group discussion as well as library research. The finding revealed that communities that get more sensitization are flexible to change their practices towards the environment than those with less. It was clear that such sensitization when essentially taken will enhance positive environmentally sustainable practice. However, enormous change in behavior will likely be more sustained with motivation from people oriented programs such as micro credit and socio economic support featured in the response.