This proposal seeks to assess community participation in environmental conservation and protection in selected communities in Imo State, Nigeria. It notes that natural resources are being overexploited without efforts for conservation, leaving future generations with little. While exploitation improves economic status, it causes environmental degradation. The proposal argues that community participation is important for successful conservation projects as it ensures social acceptance and indigenous knowledge is utilized. However, existing environmental laws and agencies have neglected rural communities. The study aims to examine uncontrolled resource exploitation and lack of participation as causes of environmental degradation in Imo State.

1. ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN
IMO STATE.
RESARCH PROPOSAL
BY
AKUBUO, FLORENCE CHINEDU
(G2020/PHD/INRES/FT/004)
INSTITUTE OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT AND
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, UNIVERSITY OF PORTHACOURT,
RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.
SUPERVISORS:
PROF. O. AKARANTA
DR. KINGSLEY OKENGWU
DATE: 15TH JUNE, 2022

2. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
 Natural Resources in form of forest, vegetation, landscape, mineral deposits, water
bodies, sand dunes, mountains and rocks, fertile agricultural lands, biodiversity
species et.c are given by nature free of charge. Unfortunately, the pattern of
exploitation of these resources and no or little efforts to conserve them leaves no
hope for the future generations. According to Nnamdi and Nnadozie (2016), the
driving forces behind this resource exploitation include the rising demand for raw
materials, for energy, nutrition (e.g honey , fish and bush meat), cultural (hunting),
poverty and pressure to improve the economic base of the state. They went further to
state that most scholars have attributed the near failure or lack of commitment in
environmental conservation and protection to absence of participation of natural
resources host communities right from the conception stage of any conservation
projects (if at all) to its implementation and the evaluation of such programs.
 Nwoboshi (1987) reported that forest clearance in Nigeria is put at an average of
400,000 ha per annum, while afforestation has only 32,000ha annually. Also, Okpara
(2004), reported that the poison Gamalin 20 is still used for fishing in some of the
rivers in Niger Delta, despite its health hazard and high pollution capacity. Slash and
burn methods release carbon into the atmosphere, in addition to carbon released from
firewood in rural areas. Slash and burn if improperly undertaken can cause
irreversible soil erosion from wind and rain, as well as kill soil microorganisms.

3.  The livelihood of the rural people depends solely on the natural environment. Most rural
residents are engaged in agricultural activities such as livestock farming, forestry and
fisheries. Natural resources exploitation without doubt improves the economic status of
the local area in particular and the society at large. However, the exploitation and
utilization of natural resources is associated with different degrees of environmental
ecological problems. Investments in environmental protection, rural infrastructures and in
rural health and education are critical to sustainable rural development and can enhance
national well-being. Improvement of rural areas can be a safety net when there is a lack
of job opportunities in cities due to depressed economic conditions.
 Rural communities have poor access to a range of services particularly those in more
sparsely populated and remote part of the region. The poor infrastructure and inadequate
communication network impact negatively on the life of the rural people. They include
absence of; portable water, electricity, good feeder roads, information and technology,
good housing, good school, health care services e.t.c. However, in most of such remote
regions, little infrastructural facilities are mostly initiated by community members and
are carried out through self-help efforts and involvement of community organizations
such as age-grades, women association, youth group and village improvement union. The
idea of self-help is one of the several distinguishing feature of rural development theory,
practice and ideology which holds that people can, will and should collaborate to solve
community problems. The success of community development programme has been
found to be extensively influenced by people’s ownership and participation.

4.  Bhaff (2004) defines community participation simply as the integration of local people to
mobilize themselves to make decisions, manage their resources and control the activities
that affect their lives. Citizen’s participation was identified as one of the main issues in the
sustainable development of the human settlement among other issues deliberated in the
conferences of Vancouver 1976 and Stockholm 1983 United Nations conferences on
Human, Environment and Development.
 In a study carried out by Abbott (1996) on community participation in urban management,
it was observed that environmental regulations are unlikely to succeed if the citizens are
not involved in the formulation and implementation mechanism. In a related study,
Bamberger (1986) upheld that community involvement results in better projects designs
by utilizing indigenous technologies and knowledge of the geographical and edaphic
conditions. He also went further to state that community participation ensures social
acceptability of a project and the propensity to participate. This was agreed by Asuquo
(1991) who stated that the involvement of the rural people in the management and
conservation of the environment will facilitate the effective integration of conservation
into social life of the people and into local agricultural and other economic activities.
 Usang (2006) maintains that the local people have been over looked completely in the
local community which are supposed to be involved in resource management through the
process of gradually handling of harvesting and management activities of their natural
resources. According to Ogolo (1995), timely participation of the rural people in the
management of the environment either by

5. single-handedly instituting some physical control efforts or by alerting and/ or cooperating
with relevant authorities for action could help to prevent the looming escalation of
environmental pollution.
 In a related study, Sharp (2003) observed community participation to be one of the
critical empowerments of success in irrigation, livestock, water, forestry and agricultural
projects. According to Amalu and Takon (2013), in Cross River State, forestry
commission has taken the initiative to institutionalize participatory forest management
and community forestry as a valuable and sustainable forest management option in Boki
local government area and some other Local Government areas.
 Songco (2002) argues that rural development is not only needed to produce more food
for the domestic consumption but also to provide exports to earn foreign exchange for
the purchase of development.
1.2 Statement of the problem
Climate change is on the increase, we need to control it.
Rural communities are faced with environmental degradation due to the fact that not too
many people in the rural areas are educated to know the consequences of their actions
coupled with neglects from government. Rural dwellers are still felling down trees
indiscriminately with the survival instinct that tomorrow will take care of itself, without
knowing the long-term effects of such practice. Other practices of the rural people that
degrade the environment also include defecation in water bodies, bush

6. burning, sand mining, domesticated animals grazing too close to water sources,
improper use of pesticides and fertilizers etc.
 Consequences; soil erosion, desertification, landslides, floods, fewer crops and also
contributes to global warming as decreased forest size puts carbon back into the
environment. Overuse of pesticides and fertilizer become counterproductive and end
up accumulating in water bodies, soil and cause more harm than good.
• Effects; when the rural environment protective capabilities are jeopardized, there
tend to be food insecurity, crime, war, illness and conflict, loss of homes, massive
rural-urban migration and death in extreme cases.
 Major concern; In recent times, there has been continuous forest destruction
globally, and locally Obowo and Ihitte-Uboma L.G.As of Imo State are not left out.
Obowo and Ihitte-Uboma were known for the presence of canopy forests years back
and this rainforest is fast depleting. The remaining areas need to be protected. Years
back there were thick canopy forests around homes and hunters didn’t go far to fetch
large games for their family meals and for sales. But massive deforestation, bush
burning, erosion, logging etc. have destroyed such experience and even bush meats
are now becoming a rare delicacy in these areas. Sadly, some hunters now have to
go deep in the bush and set up fire just to hunt down little wild animals which were
in the past caught with traps not set far away from homes.

7.  Our existing and well-meaning environmental laws and many agencies charged with the
responsibilities of implementing these environmental laws and policies have long
neglected the rural communities. According to Osumgborogwu and Chibo (2017), the
non-implementation of environmental laws and policies has increased both exposure and
vulnerability of parts of the country to geohazards.
 Uncontrolled resource exploitation in Imo State has been attributed as the cause of
environmental degradation in the area. Nnamdi and Nnadozie (2016), observed that the
greatest environmental problem arising from natural resources exploitation in Imo state is
soil erosion followed by deforestation. Fortunately, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed
Management Project (NEWMAP) kick-started work in Imo state in 2014 and sadly Ihitte-
Uboma and Obowo are yet to benefit from the project. (Vanguard News, 19th September
2021). Nothing serious is being done to salvage the remaining lands in Ihitte-Uboma and
Obowo despite the erosion sites being long identified. Obowo and Ihitte-Uboma areas are
characterized by under development and poverty as a result of neglect from the
government. The people are frustrated, hapless and unhappy with government’s slow pace
in managing active erosion sites. These identified gullies not only cut off homes/
farmlands and road paths but also some of the rural communities which depend on stream
and harvested rain water for domestic use have been impacted due to surface water/
stream pollution caused by intense runoffs from the gully sites.
 Rural people are closest to the environment and are the immediate users and managers of
rural ecosystem. They have the extensive knowledge about their

8. environment and have potentials to play the primary role in conserving and protecting
land, water, and forests (Food and Agriculture Organization FAO, 1993). Rural people
have generally been quite effective in conserving soil and water resources using traditional
methods transferred from generation to generation. They employ; fallowing, crop rotation,
intercropping, mulching, use of bamboo trees to prevent soil erosion, and also forbid the
exploitation and consumption of certain components of the environment (e.g. totems or
forbidden items, shrines, evil forests, burial grounds, sacred ponds and sanctuaries etc.).
However, some of these cultural practices are being threatened by civilization, not specific
and lack relevant implementing standards, falling short of increasing complex
requirements for rural environmental protection.
 Natural resource conservation programs in Nigeria need the support of the rural people
to be sustainable. Okwuohia, umuihi and Amakohia communities (the study areas) have
many cultural practices aimed at protecting their environment but the level of
participation by the rural members needs to be assessed. Rural participation in planning
and implementation of environmental conservative initiatives which benefit them is
fundamental to socioeconomic sustainability of a country.
1.3 Research Aim and Objectives
The aim of this research work is to assess the level of community participation in
environmental conservation and protection in Okwuohia, Umuihi and Amakohia
autonomous communities in Ihitte-Uboma and Obowo L.G.As of Imo State. Specifically,
the objectives will include;

9. 1. To identify the socio-economic characteristics of the rural communities of
Okwuohia, Umuihi and Amakohia autonomous communities in Ihitte-Uboma and
Obowo L.G.As of Imo State.
2. To ascertain existing traditional mechanisms for rural environmental conservation
and protection in the study areas.
3. To examine the perception of the rural dwellers on community participation in
environmental conservation and protection in the study areas.
4. To assess the level of community participation in environmental conservation and
protection in the study areas.
5. To evaluate the extent to which environmental conservation and protection policies
are effective in the study areas.
6. To ascertain the level of awareness of the people regarding Nigeria environmental
legislations in the study areas.
7. To identify the factors limiting rural participation in environmental conservation and
protection in the study areas.
1.4 Significance of the Study
Conservation of natural resources is a major responsibility of man, as a trustee of nature
man has a duty to foster the survival of other species. The need to assess rural
participation in environmental conservation and protection in order to reduce the effect
of environmental degradation is indisputable in Nigeria and particularly in Obowo and
Ihitte-Uboma L.G.As of Imo State.

10.  In Nigeria, rural development efforts by various governments, at different times
have produced very minimal results, despite the huge amount of resources
committed into such developmental efforts. For examples Operation Feed the
Nation (OFN), the National Accelerated Food Production Programme (NAFPP), the
Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI), National Poverty
Eradication Programme (NAPEP), and Local Empowerment and Environment
Management Project (LEEMP) have all failed or yielded minimal result due to non-
involvement of the locals who are custodian of their resources. Obviously, we need
to assess rural self-help efforts in improving themselves and that of their
environment and building of neighbourhood integration. This is based on self-help
informed by the realization that no government can meet all the needs of all the rural
communities.
 Amakohia, Okwuohia and Umuihi autonomous communities are have some cultural
practices and festivals which have conspicuous impact on environmental protection.
Thus, it is necessary to assess community participation in environmental
conservation and protection in the areas with a view to;
• Eradicate ignorance of environmental matters on the part of the community (i.e.
reduce environmental degradation/promote well-being of the people).
• Draw attention of government and its environmental protection agencies on the need
to integrate rural participation in their environmental conservative programmes for
sustainability (i.e. promote community involvement in decision-making/improve
socioeconomic status).

11. Add knowledge to the rural communities to enable them guard against environmental
problems that affect their lives and possible means of solving them (promote pollution
control).
Help our country at large to meet international standards on the issues of community
involvement in environmental protection (provision of baseline information).
1.5 The Study Area
The research is to be carried out in Amakohia, Okwuohia and Umuihi autonomous
communities in Ihitte-Uboma and Obowo local government areas of Imo State in the
Eastern part of Nigeria. The natural vegetation of Obowo and Ihitte-Uboma is tropical
rainforest, in which the plant species are arranged in tiers with the forest floor harbouring
great categories of different plant species. Geographically, Ihitte-Uboma lies between
latitude 50 36’ 55” N and 50 42’ 22” N and

12. longitude 70 19’ 27” E and 70 27’ 22” E. (Ojukwu and Woko, 2016). Ihitte-Uboma is bound
on the North by Okigwe, South by Obowo and Ahiazu Mbaise L.G.As, East by Imo River
(which separates it from Umuahia in Aba State) and West by Ehime Mbano L.G.A. Isinweke
is the headquarters of Ihitte-Uboma L.G.A. The local government areas of Ihitte-Uboma and
Obowo were created in 1989 from old Etiti L.G.A by the Babangida administration.
According to 2016 population projection, Ihitte-Uboma has an area of 104km2 and a
population of 164,500 with 14 autonomous communities. The land mass is indented with
hills, valleys and swamp with annual rainfall of 1800-2500mm, mean annual temperature of
300C and mean annual relative humidity of 75% which is highest during the rainy season,
when it rises to about 90%. The high temperature and humidity experienced in the area
favour luxuriant plant growth, which produce the area’s rich and beautiful vegetation of the
tropical rainforest. This rainforest is being depleted of plants and animal species due to
human activities such as hunting and lumbering (Nnamdi and Nnadozie, 2016).
The area is known for its rich farming activities and noted for its production of staple foods
for commercial purposes and also best described as the food basket of the state in view of its
location within the deep rainforest zone of Imo State. Civil service, petty trading, and artisan
trades are other economic activities in the area. The Mbom-Uzo festival is a major cultural
attraction in the area which has positive impact on the environment.
On the other hand, Obowo has its headquarters at Otoko and an area of 98.12km2. And a
population of 161,700, with 14 autonomous communities. Obowo lies between latitude 50
35’ 0” N and 50 22’ 30” N and longitude 70 22’ 30” E and 70 25’ 0” E of the state (Edwin-
Wosu et al., 2013). It is bound on the North by Ihitte-Uboma L.G.A, on the South- East by
Imo River / Umuokpara Umuahia in Abia State, on the South-West by Mbaise and on the
North-West by

13. Ehime Mbano L.G.A. Obowo is about 45 minutes’ drive from Owerri and is less than 25
minutes from Umuahia. Like Ihitte-Uboma, Obowo is blessed with abundant natural
resources which includes tropical rainforest, fine sand and agricultural produce such as palm
produce, cassava, rubber, yam, maize, vegetables, cocoyam, palm wine, African bread fruits
etc. Forest trees such mahogany, iroko, obeche, gmelina, raffia palm, oil palm trees, oil bean
trees and clusters of bamboos and shrubs also abound in the areas. Animals inhabiting the
areas include grass cutters, bush rats, antelopes, snakes etc. The hydrology of the areas is
governed by Imo River and other streams such as Onuiyi-aja, Onuiyi-afor and also Abadaba
Lake (Uhuri.org.,2022). The occupation of the people in this area is predominantly farming,
other activities include blacksmith, palm wine tapping, hunting, fishing, cassava processing,
traditional medicine practitioners, sand dealers, timber dealers, lumbering, welding, education
and small-scale business and industries.
Obowo people are politically enlightened and they produced the first Executive Governor of
Imo State (The late Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe). During the administration of the late
Governor in 1983, the two prominent viable projects he embarked upon are till date lying as
abandoned projects (The Abadaba lake Resort and the once largest poultry farm in West
Africa- The Imo Modern Poultry Farm Avutu Obowo). Obowo has very rich cultural festivals
such as Mbom-Uzo, Iwa-Akwa and others with conspicuous impact on environmental
protection. Obowo is a tourist delight- the nature created blue Abadaba lake, Iyi-Ukwu, Isi-iyi
spring water and many other tourist attractions in the area as well as Umuariam Game reserve
center.
According to Onweremadu (2007) and Dickson et al., (1998), the soils of Ihitte-Uboma and
Obowo areas are derived from coastal plain sand (Benin formation). The soils are sandy loam
and are moderately to strongly acidic (pH 4.2-5.8), suffering from multiple nutrient
deficiencies

14. and are strongly weathered. Obowo and Ihitte-Uboma areas are characterized by under
development and poverty as a result of neglect from the Government. Nevertheless, the
people of Obowo and Ihitte-Uboma have self-help spirit and this propelled them to embark
on self-help projects such as rural electrification, conservation of erosion sites using
bamboos trees, construction and maintenance of roads etc. to improve their living standards.
However, the level of rural participation in protecting and conservation of their environment
varies among various communities and needs to be assessed.
1.6 Limitations of the Study
The major constraints expected during this study are;
1. Poor accessibility of the rural areas under study due to bad roads
2. Recent insecurity in Imo State (especially in the study areas).
3. Limited finance as regards to logistics to the different communities under study.
4. Communication problem/ unwillingness of people to give out information
5. Time to visit the different shrines, degraded/polluted sites, erosion sites, protected areas,
sacred stream and attend the rich cultural ceremonies in the areas.
6. Data generation
However, amidst of the above limitations efforts will be made to obtain accurate and
adequate information for satisfactory results.

15. 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors
Findings
1. Abbot, J. (1996). Sharing in Cities; Community
Participation in Urban Management. Earthscan
Publishers, London.
In his study observes that environmental regulations are unlikely to succeed if
the citizens are not involved in the formulation and implementation
mechanism.
2. Ahn, H.W. (1978). Village Forestry in Korea. Paper presented
at the 8th World Forestry Congress, Jakarta, October 16- 28.
Points out that one of the most expensive forestry programmes with
community participation is that operated by village forestry association in
South Korea and the afforestation sub-project in Nepal.
3. Akuezeilo, E. & Agu, N. (2014). Research and strategies
in education and social sciences. Awka: NuelCenti
Publisher.
Describe descriptive survey as a process of gathering information on people’s
opinions, beliefs, attitudes, motivation and behavior aims at collecting data
from a given sample of population and describe probably certain features of
the sample as well as generalize it to the entire population.`
4. Amalu, T. E., & Takon, J. (2013). Assessment of natural
resources conservation in Boki local government, Cross
River state, Nigeria. Indian Journal of Environmental
Sciences, 8(4), 123-131.
Observe that Boki community participates in forest, land & water resources
management significantly. The active participation of Boki community was
credited to the establishment of forest management committees by the Cross
River state government with local inclusion from planning, implementation and
management of the programme.
5. Amangabara, G.T., Njoku, J.D., & Iwuji, M.C. (2018).
People’s Perception of Soil Erosion and its Impact in Imo
State, Nigeria. Rochester, NY.
Indicate that soil erosion is the most common geo-environmental hazard in
Imo state, with many erosion sites. That they are mostly gully erosion and
these gullies are attributed mainly to sand mining and poor civil engineering
works, especially road/gutter construction where adequate control of runoff
generated in the process of road construction is poorly taken into
consideration. And that because of these gullies, farmlands have been
significantly affected with their road paths lost. Also, is loss of social
infrastructures such as electricity and communication facilities.
6. Anderson, D. and R. H. Grove (eds.). 1987.
Conservation in Africa. People, policies and practice.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Emphasize that African cultural strategies for natural resource conservation
and management have somehow been eroded through the introduction of
Christianity as a modern way of worship.

16. 7. Bisong, F. E. (2001). Natural resource systems for sustainable
rural development. In F. E., Bisong, (Eds), Natural resource
use and conservation systems for sustainable rural
development, Baaj International Company, Calabar. pp 9-18.
Emphasizes that currently there is a shift in conservation practices informed by the fact
that the local communities are inextricably tied to their cultural resources based whether
used as source of food, medicine, fuel or for maintaining ecological balance.
8. Cunningham, W.P., & Cunning, M. A. (2004). Principles of
environmental science: inquiry and application (2nd. Ed.) New
York: McGraw-Hill.
Report that an estimated 12.5 million km of tropical forest lands were covered with closed
canopy forest a century ago and 9.2 million ha or 0.6 percent of the remaining forest is cleared
each year.
9. Dickson, A.A., Ayoiogha, G., & Hart, E.A (1998).
Characterization of some meander belt soils of the upper
Niger Delta plain of Southern Nigeria, Delta Agric, 5, 93-107.
Are of the opinion that the soils of the upper Niger Delta are sandy loam and are moderately
to strongly acidic (pH 4.2-5.8), suffering from multiple nutrient deficiencies and are strongly
weathered.
10. Eckholm, E. (1979). Planning for the future: Forestry for
human needs: Washington World Watch Institute World
Bank paper 26: 21- 29.
Agrees that the involvement of the rural people in the management and conservation of the
environment facilitates the effective integration of conservation into social life of the people.
11. Eneji, C. O., Ogundu, C. N., & Ojelade, I. A. (2019).
Indigenous cultural practices and natural resources
conservation in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. Advances in
Social Sciences Research Journal, 6(8), 30-44.
Are of the opinion that indigenous cultural practices contribute a great deal to the conservation
of natural resources in Owerri, Imo state. They agreed that African culture forbid the
exploitation and consumption of certain components of the environment (e.g totems or
forbidden items, shrines, evil forests, burial grounds, sacred ponds and sanctuaries etc.).
Where people believe that the gods or goddess lives, there is the total protection of habitats of
the gods from exploitation, utilization, entrance and agricultural activities, this can either
intentionally or unintentionally result to conservation of resources.
12. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and United Nations
Environment Program. (1993). Forest Resources of Tropical
Africa, Asia, and the Americans.
Emphasizes that rural people are closest to the environment and are the immediate users and
managers of rural ecosystem. That they have the extensive knowledge about their environment
and have potentials to play the primary role in conserving and protecting land, water, and
forests.
14. Food and Agriculture Organization (2005). Forestry Extension
Methods. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
nation’s Forestry paper presentation, 80: 146-155.
Maintains that sustainable management of natural resources requires a more comprehensive
approach which includes strengthening the organization and technical capabilities of rural
communities as well as engendering support for sustainable resources use from larger
community group.
15. Hassaini, T. H., & Abdulkadir, I. (2019). Community
participation in rural development in Nigeria: Problems and
prospects. International Journal of Social Sciences and
Humanities Reviews, 9(2), 156-164.
Report that the major challenges of community participation in rural development in Nigeria
include; top-bottom approach, political deprivation, lack of enlightenment and awareness
campaign and lack of proper educational empowerment.

17. 17. Anueyiagu, V. O., Anyanwu, J. C., Njoku, P. C., &
Okorondu, V. U. (2021). Flood hazard and risk
assessment in Imo State using geographic
Information System. Global Scientific Journals,9:
944-964.
Agree that Ihitte-Uboma and Obowo are among the moderate flood
hazard areas. That flooding destroys farmlands, cut off roads and
displace villagers.
18. Appiah-Opoku, S. (2007). Indigenous beliefs and
environmental stewardship: a rural Ghana
experience. Indigenous Knowledge and
Development Monitor 7(3)15-17.
Is of the view that nearly every local community in Africa and world over
have developed different strategies for the consistent conservation and
management of natural resources.
19. Asuquo, S. M. (1991). Securing succor for the
threatened land’s planning. McGraw Hill Inc.
United states.
Believes that the involvement of the rural people in the management and
conservation of the environment will facilitate the effective integration of
conservation into social life of the people and into local agricultural and
other economic activities.
20. Awuah-Nyamekye, S. (2014). Managing the
environmental crisis in Ghana: The role of
African traditional religion and culture with
special reference to Berekum traditional area.
United Kingdom: Cambridge Scholars
Publishing.
Explains that most African indigenous totemic objects and materials vary
significantly over tribes and clans. And that they include mere mammals
(Leopards, Lions, Elephants, Monkeys, Buffalo), birds (Falcon, Raven,
Parrots), reptiles (Crocodiles, Snakes) and even scorpions, crabs, and fishes.
21. Bamberger, M. (1986). The role of community
participation in developing, planning and project
management. The World Bank Publication.
Washington D.C.
Confirms that community involvement results in better projects designs by
utilizing indigenous technologies and knowledge of the geographical and
adaphic conditions. He also went further to state that community
participation ensures social acceptability of a project and the propensity to
participate.
22. Bhaff, S. (2004). Conservation through
Community Enterprise. In Ogar, D. A. (Ed.)
community forestry and forest stakeholders’
participation in sustainable forest management.
Calabar Forest Association of Nigeria. pp12- 13.
Defines community participation simply as the integration of local people to
mobilize themselves to make decisions, manage their resources and control
the activities that affect their lives.

18. 23. Hunter, G. (1964). The new societies of
Tropical Africa. New York: Frederick A.
Praeger
Was among the earliest authors to use the term ‘rural
development’. He views rural development as the starting
point of development. He points out that rural development
focuses on reducing inequality and improvement of the
quality of life of the rural people.
24. International Union for Conservation of
Nature, IUCN (1990). “Caring for the
Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable
Living”, Gland Switzerland. IUCN- The
World Conservation Union, UNEP-
United Nations Environment Programme,
and WWF- World Wildlife Fund for
Nature.
Is of the opinion that human culture must be based on a respect
for nature and that the present generation have a social
responsibility to conserve nature for the welfare of future
generation.
25. Isidiho, A.O., & Sabran, M.S.B (2015). The socio-
economic impact of the development of Abadaba
Lake as a boost to tourism and community
development in Imo state, Nigeria.
International Journal of Education and Social
Science, 2(6),18-22.
Suggest that the development of Abadaba Lake will not only
benefit the locals but will also help the state out of the current
situation of massive unemployment, and help in building strong
social linkages amongst communities and groups of tourists who
would be visiting the state.
26. Johnson, D.L., S. H. Ambrose, T. J.
Bassett, M. L. Bowen, D. E. Crummey, J.
S. Isaacson, D.N. Johnson, P. Lamb, M.
Saul, and A.E. Winter-Nelson. (1997).
Meanings of environmental terms.
Journal of Environmental Quality, 26:
581-589.
Define environmental degradation as any change or disturbance
to the environment perceived to be deleterious or undesirable.

19. Kala, C.P. (2012). Traditional ecological knowledge and
conservation of ethno-botanical species in the buffer
zone of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, Madhya
Pradesh. p194.
Confirms that designated areas culturally meant for the protection of the abides of
the gods are rich in biological diversities, hence a latent way of conserving resources
and the environment.
Moseley, J. (2003). Rural development: principles and
practice. London: SAGE.
Defines rural development as a process of improving the quality of life and economic
wellbeing of people living in relatively isolated and sparsely populated areas which are
also known as rural areas.
Nnamdi, C. C., & Nnadozie O.T. (2016). Natural resources
exploitation and utilization in Imo state, Nigeria: The
economic and environmental perspective. Asian
Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences,1(5), 1-15.
DOI: 10.9734/ARJASS/2016/28448
Believe that rudimentary methods of natural resources exploitation in Imo state are the
main reasons for extensive environmental degradation in the area.
Nwoboshi, L.C. (1987). Regeneration success of natural
management enriches planting and plantations of nature
species in West Africa. In F. Mergen & J.R. Vincent (Eds),
Natural Management of tropical moist forest (92-136).
Connecticut, Yale University press.
Opines that forest clearance in Nigeria is put at an average of 400,000 ha per annum,
while afforestation has only 32,000ha annually.
Ogidefa, I. (2010). Rural development in Nigeria:
concept, approaches, challenges and prospect.
http://socyberty.com/issues/rural-development-in-
nigeria-conceptapproaches challenges-and-prospect/.
20th February, 2022.
Perceives rural development to involve creating and widening opportunities for rural
dwellers to utilize their full potentials through sharing in decisions and actions which
affects their lives.
Ogolo, M.B. (1995). “Grassroot participation in rural
development; A study of selected infrastructure in some
communities of Rivers state, Nigeria,” Unpublished PhD
Dissertation, dept. of Agric.Extension Services, University of
Ibadan, Nigeria. pp 17-116.
Reports that timely participation of the rural people in the management of the
environment either by single-handedly instituting some physical control efforts or by
alerting and/ or cooperating with relevant authorities for action could help to prevent
the looming escalation of environmental pollution.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

20. Okechukwu, C.O., & Onyeananam, J. C. (2017).
Challenges and prospects of developing Abadaba
Lake into a tourism destination. Journal of Tourism
and Heritage Studies,6(2), 43-45.
Insist that the enchantment and serenity of Abadaba Lake is quite captivating
and will provide a good relaxation spot for tourists if properly harnessed. That
the Lake is a potential tourism attraction that is capable of attracting both
foreign and local tourists to Ihitte-Uboma and Obowo L.G.As of Imo state.
Okpara, E.E. (2004). Post-rio realities of sustainable
development in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Ihem Davis Press Limited.
Maintains that the poison Gamalin 20 is still used for fishing in some of the rivers in
Niger Delta, despite its health hazard and high pollution capacity.
Onweagba, A. E., & Nwaihu, E. C. (2004). Palm
fruits processing and rural infrastructural
development in Imo state, Nigeria. Journal of
Agriculture and Food Science, 2(2), 91-97.
State that the occupation of the people in Ihitte-Uboma and Obowo LGAs is
predominantly farming, other activities include blacksmith, palm wine tapping,
hunting, fishing, cassava and oil palm processing, traditional medicine practitioners,
sand dealers, timber dealers, lumbering, welding, education and small-scale business
and industries.
Onweremadu, E.U. (2007). Relative suitability of
soils groups in relation to waste disposal. Research
Journal of Environmental Science. 258- 263.
Suggests that the soils of Ihitte-Uboma and Obowo areas are derived from coastal
plain sand (Benin formation). That the soils are sandy loam and are moderately to
strongly acidic (pH 4.2-5.8), suffering from multiple nutrient deficiencies and are
strongly weathered.
Osumgborogwu, I.E., & Chibo, C.N (2017).
Environmental laws in Nigeria and occurrence of
some geohazards: A review. Asian Journal of
Environmental & Ecology, 1-12. DOI:
10.9734/AJEE/2017/34045
Agree that Nigeria as a country has suitable existing and well-meaning
environmental laws and also many agencies charged with the responsibilities of
implementing these environmental laws and policies. However, the non-
implementation of environmental laws and policies has increased both exposure and
vulnerability of parts of the country to geohazards.
Rim-Rukeh, A., Irerhievewie, G., & Agbozu, I. E.
(2013). Traditional beliefs and conservation of
natural resources: Evidences from selected
communities in Delta State, Nigeria. International
Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 5(7), 436-
432.
Show that in some selected communities in Delta State, activities such as farming,
grazing of animals or even settlements were prohibited from protected areas. The
authors go on to point out that in Malawi, family members plant saplings at the death
of a relative or a friend, preserving and protecting indigenous species on sacred lands
Sam, I. E., Nnaji, E. S., & Etefia, T. E. (2014). Level
of community participation in the conservation of
natural resources in Akamkpa local government
area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Journal of
Research & Method in Education.4(4), 30-35.
Suggested that in order to maximize the chances of sustainable conservation
initiatives, rural communities need to be involved in both the concept and approach.
And that this inclusiveness is more likely to build a conservation ethics where people
understand that their livelihood depends on healthy maintenance of the environment.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.

21. Sharma, M.P (2004). Managing the world’s forests:
looking for balance between conservation and
development. IOWA: Kendeu/Hunt.
Insists that development is commonly motivated by political and economic
factors without considering the ecological consequences of such actions.
Sharp, R. (2003). Where three Worlds Meet: Annual
Report 2001- 2002. London ILEB.
Shows that community participation is one of the critical empowerments of success in
irrigation, livestock, water, forestry and agricultural projects.
Sheridan, M. J. 2000. The sacred forests of North
Pare, Tanzania: indigenous conservation, local
politics, and land tenure. In: Working Papers in
African Studies Vol. 224. Boston: Boston University
African Studies Center.
Pointed out that women in Tanzania learn from their grandmothers that trees bring
rain, and that cutting large blocks of trees will have a deleterious effect on rainfall.
Songco, J. (2002). Do Rural Infrastructure
Investments Benefit the Poor? World Bank Working
Paper 2796 World Bank, Washington, D.C.
Argues that rural development is not only needed to produce more food for the
domestic consumption but also to provide exports to earn foreign exchange for the
purchase of development.
Usang, N.M. (2006). Influence of Traditional Beliefs
on conservation of Natural Resources in Cross River
Central. University of Calabar. Calabar,
unpublished. PhD thesis.
Claims that the local people have been over looked completely in the local
community who are supposed to be involved in resource management through the
process of gradually handling of harvesting and management activities of their
natural resources.
Ukpongson, M.A., & Njoku, E.M. (2002). Women
participation as an indispensable asset in sustainable
poverty alleviation. Journal of Nigerian Association
of Technical Teachers of Nigeria, 1
Describe rural development as a process whereby rural people are tremendously
developed in such a way that they are able to appreciate their potentials and resources
and be able to utilize these potentials and resources to improve their standard of
living.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.

22. Ukah, F. O., Akor, E. S., & Oluoha,
N. J. (2020). Community
participation and rural
development in Imo state.
International Journal of
Management, Social Sciences,
Peace and Conflict Studies,3(3),
127-139.
Agree that there is little or no involvement of rural
people in project formulation, planning and
implementation in Imo state.
Vanguard News.19 September
2021. “Cut off! The face of
catastrophic erosion and the fear of
being washed away in Imo”. 28
March 2022.
Report that Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management
Project (NEWMAP) kick-started work in Imo state in
2014 and sadly some areas such as Ihitte-Uboma and
Obowo are yet to benefit from the project.
World Bank (1975). Rural
development sector policy paper.
Washington, D.C: World Bank.
Points out that community participation contributes to the
success of one of the most expensive forestry
programmes operated by village forestry association in
South Korea and the afforestation sub-project in Nepal.
46.
47.
48.

23. 3.0 METHODOLGY
3.1 Materials to be used in the study
The instrument for data collection will be structured questionnaires comprising of section
A for socio-demographic information of the respondents and section B for information
on the variables under study.
Journals, text books, publications, newsletters, pamphlets, internets etc.
Writing materials (pen, paper) and camera.
3.2 Design of the study
The design of study will be descriptive survey. The descriptive survey involves gathering
information on people’s opinions, beliefs, attitudes, motivation and behavior (Akuezilo
& Agu, 2014). According to Nwankwo (2011), descriptive survey aims at collecting data
from a given sample of population and describe probably certain features of the sample
as well as generalize it to the entire population.
The sampling techniques to be adopted for this study include;
 A simple random sampling technique of 150 respondents to be selected from three
autonomous communities (Umuihi, Amakohia and Okwuohia) from both study areas,
having five wards from each of the autonomous community. This selection will be
based on the population available in the communities and it will comprise of male and
female, old and the young, the educated and illiterate ones.
`

24.  The administration of the questionnaires will be done by the researcher with the
assistance of trained enumerators in the respective communities.
 Also, there will be focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) by
the researcher. According to Pripathy & Pripathy (2017), in a focus group discussion, a
small number of individuals (e.g. 8 - 12) are brought together to talk about some topic of
interest to a focus group moderator. The focus group discussions will comprise 10
individuals from each autonomous community and it will include farmers, women,
forest resource users and businessmen. Data such as socio-economic activities of
villagers, awareness of causes of deforestation and forest degradation, as well as impacts
of deforestation will be obtained. Also, there will be in-depth interviews to gather
qualitative data from key informants (8 in number), who shall comprise of the village
heads, ward heads, age grade leaders, farmer’s head, traditional worshipers, women
leaders, environmental protection agents (if any) and the elderlies. The key informants
will be asked pre-determined questions and allow to respond. Their responses will be
guided by the researcher who is the moderator. Types of data to be collected using this
method will include education, socio-economic activities of villagers, awareness of
causes of deforestation and forest degradation as well as impacts of deforestation.

25. 3.3 Field observation
Field observation will be done to gather information on socio-economic activities such as
logging/ lumbering. Visits will be made to different locations in the study areas, such as
sacred sites/streams, shrines, village forests, Abadaba lake, village projects, erosion sites,
reserved areas and village ceremonies/ festivals. Photographs will be taken to illustrate the
status of environmental degradation in the study areas.
3.6 Data collection
Data collection will be from two main sources namely; primary (through field observation,
use of structured questionnaire and interview) and secondary (from journals, publications,
pamphlets, text books, newsletters, internets, local government/ state departments and
agencies etc.).
3.7 Data Analysis
The data retrieved will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and results
will be presented as tables, figures and charts.

26. PICTURES SHOWING RURAL INFRASTRUCTURES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Pictures showing logging in Umuokoronuhuka in Okwuohia in Obowo L.G.A of Imo
State

27. Pictures showing community self-help efforts in controlling erosion by an Age
grade in Okwuohia in Obowo L.G.A

28. Pictures showing erosion sites on almost every pathway in Umuihi in Ihitte-Uboma
L.G.A

29. Borehole at Umuokoronuhuka in Okwuohia provided by Local Empowerment and
Environmental Maintenance Project (LEEMP) in 2006 under Gov. Achike Udenwa
regime.
Onuiyi Afor River in Amaramohia in Okwuohia. Highly dreaded and cannot be visited on
Afor Market days. The fish inside the river are forbidden from consumption.

30. Okwuohia health Center built in 2013 by Rochas Okorocha regime
Twelve classroom blocks built in Okwuohia by Rochas Okorocha administration
in 2015

31. The Oturugo forbidden forest in Umuihi. It habours troops of monkeys which cannot
be hunted by anyone
Over 100-year-old gong in Okwuohia. Beaten whenever there is Sacrilege or war.

32. The Duru Iheoma great Deity in Mgbakam in Okwuohia
Road maintenance and repair by youths in okwuohia obowo