Human-nature Relationship: a Case of Selected Conservation Areas in Nigeria

Conservation areas are iconic landscapes that play key role in sustainability of natural systems and well-being of local communities especially in the rural setting. Understanding the relationship between humans and nature, particularly conservation areas have become the focus of environmental planners and managers. The aim of this study is to explore the connectedness to nature, and environmental behaviour of the people in some selected communities around three conservation areas in Nigeria. The behaviours include interest of communities in conservation area management and their willingness to accept management responsibility. Quantitative research design was adopted, where multi-stage sampling techniques were used in selecting the study sites and the respondents. Stratified sampling was used to categorise the conservation areas according to whether they receive support from the management of the conservation areas or not. Purposive sampling was used to select conservation areas that are surrounded by the highest number of communities. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 300 samples from six communities surrounding the three conservation areas. Statistical analysis using Pearson Chi-Square and Cramer‟s V test statistics revealed that, the communities are attached to their environment and the level of attachment of communities‟ members with the conservation areas increases with age. Environmental behaviours differ across the sampled communities, as the findings revealed that, there is significant difference in communities‟ interest in the management of conservation areas. Their willingness to accept management responsibilities also differ across the sampled communities. The disparities can be attributed to benefits enjoyed by the communities from conservation managers and agencies responsible for the conservation areas. The study recommends the need to bring communities closer to management of conservation areas so that they can have the sense of belonging. This can motivate the communities to have interest in the conservation areas and be willing to accept management responsibilities.