Residents' Attitudes and Perceptions Towards the Conservation of Chimpanzee Habitat at Gashaka Gumti National Park, Nigeria

Abstract

Man is the major architect of destruction to any ecosystem and also remains the key planner and executor of any potential change expected in his environment and its inhabitants. This study investigated the implications of residents' attitudes and perceptions on the conservation of Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee and their habitat at Gashaka Sector of Gashaka Gumti National Park (GGNP). Multi-stage sampling method and structured questionnaire (SQ) were used to elicit information from the local residents. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies and charts were used to analyse the data collected. Results obtained indicated that the awareness of the park values was high (78.79%) and that local residents' perception and attitudes toward the park was negative with some respondents (33.33%) calling for the abolition of the park. The results show that respondents suggested 13 independent problems thought to have caused by the park and included poverty, divorce, diseases, illiteracy, idleness, immorality, disgrace, tribal conflicts, loss of freedom, hunger, pre-matured death, competition and fire hazards. Factors suggested by the local residents that could elicit their support for the project include Employment (18.38 %), Credit facilities (16.22 %), and provision of farmlands (14.05 %), while viewing centre (3.24 %), Schools (4.33 %) and Vocational training (4.86 %). For the management of the National park, local residents also expressed willingness (76.47 %) to participate in the management of the park. It is therefore recommended that the park management should implement measures suggested by the local communities, which can elicit their support for the park project.