Abstract:
The main objective of this study was to assess the level of climate change awareness, mitigation options and adaptation strategies of forest fringe communities which are the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. The study also assessed the current status of the selected protected areas in terms of tree species abundance and diversity, stand growth variables and their carbon sequestration potentials. In addition, the concentration of some chemical elements in the soils of these protected areas(PAs) were determined. The study was carried out in three protected areas (PAs) in southern Nigeria namely Okomu National park in Edo State, Elephant forest and Biosphere reserve in Omo forest reserve, Ogun State. Data on climate change awareness and mitigation strategies were collected from selected fringe communities of the PAs. Five fringe communities of Okomu National Park in Edo state were randomly selected while three communities were selected among those of Omo Forest Reserve in Ogun State. A total of 132 questionnaire was administered (88 in Omo Pas and 44 in Okomu PA). Tree growth variables were collected from these selected PAs. Nested plot design was adopted for laying of plots of equal sized plot of 50m x 50m in each site. In each plot, all living trees ≥ 10cm DBH were identified and their Diameter at breast height (DBH), Diameter at the top (Dt), Diameter at the middle (Dm), Diameter at the base (Db) and Height were measured, 1mx1m quadrants were also laid to collect soil samples at three points diagonally in each plot with soil auger at two different depths (0cm -15cm and 15-30cm). Decriptive statistics were used in analyzing the administered questionnaire, tree growth data was analyzed with appropriate formula and extrapolated to hacter. Standard laboratory analyses were used to determine the soil physical and chemical properties. The results of this study indicated that enough awareness has not been created among the rural people on the impacts of climate change on the environment and rural
