Community Participation in Environmental Conservation and Protection: A Case study of Kida community, Hawul local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental natural resource conservation and protection (ENRCP) has been extensively promoted in recent years as an approach for pursuing nature conservation and socioeconomic objectives. The rationale for ENRCP is often compelling and convincing. This article assesses the environmental problems, level of community participation and involvement of government in ENRCP and examine the problems associated with community participation in ENRCP. The study is based on our case study in Kida community, Hawul local government of Borno state, Nigeria. To achieve our objective both quantitative and qualitative data - participant observation, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews for the paper were drawn from a larger mixed methods.The results of this analysis indicates that, despite sincere willingness of communities, serious deficiencies are widely evident. It is evident that problems associated with ENRCP includes indiscriminate tree felling, bush burning, overgrazing and ignorance among community members. It was recommended that government should actively participate by providing seedlings and also educate the local community on the essence and relevance of ENRCP.