Community perceptions and attitudes towards protected area conservation approach: Empirical evidence from Falgore Game Reserve in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the perceptions and attitudes of the communities living in the fringes of the Falgore Game Reserve (FGR) in Kano, Nigeria towards the protected area conservation approach. Multistage sampling technique which comprises of purposive and random sampling technique were used for the study. The data were analysed using descriptive, chi-square test, and OLS regression analysis. The findings indicated that perceptions and attitudes of the communities were a function of their knowledge about the goals of protected area, quality and quantity of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), enforcement of protection rules and discriminative access to NTFPs. Majority (64%) of the interviewed households held positive perceptions and attitudes towards conservation of the forest. Respondents’ perceptions and attitudes towards FGR were positively influenced by age, education level, and contact with extension agents and membership in social groups. The respondents’ sex and distance to FGR were, however, negatively correlated with their perceptions and attitudes towards FGR conservation approach. Households, who held negative perceptions and attitudes towards FGR, such as the youth, women, and those with low level of education, highly cast a doubt on the future of FGR. It was concluded that communities located around FGR held favourable attitudes and positive perception towards protected area conservation approach in spite of total exclusion of local people in conservation strategies employed in the approach. The study, therefore, recommended that women, youth, and the less educated households should be enlightened on the need for sustainable NTFPs conservation given the steep opposition towards protected area conservation.