Rural Dwellers' Participation in Conservation Management of Old Oyo National Park

Abstract

This study was carried out in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. The variables considered in the study include personal characteristics of rural dwellers, level of participation of rural dwellers in conservation management of the Park, benefits derived from siting of the Park in the communities and rural dwellers' perception on the purpose for which the Park was established. The study revealed that the rural dwellers had low level of participation in the conservation management of the Park. Constraints such as fear of being arrested by the Game guards, ban on land cultivation within the Park and lack of awareness of the activities of the Park were identified by the rural dwellers. Further, statistical analysis showed that there was no significant relationship between gender, marital status, educational level and religion of the rural dwellers and their level of participation in conservation management of the Park. Also, there was significant difference between male and female rural dwellers' level of participation in conservation management of the Park. In order to enhance rural dwellers' participation in conservation management of Old Oyo National Park, several recommendations were made based on the study.