ASSESSMENT OF TRADE-OFFS IN THE UTILIZATION OF COASTAL WETLAND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN ILAJE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Wetland ecosystems are important environmental and natural resources that form part of the total wealth of a nation. Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State has been chosen as a focus of study as it assesses the trades-off that exist in the utilization of the wetland ecosystems services in an attempt to integrate the wise use of wetland into the management of the wetland ecosystems and conservation approaches for the wise use of wetlands. The data for this study were collected with 378 copies of questionnaire distributed to the respondents and analyzed in order to give insights on Assessment of Trades-off utilization of coastal wetland ecosystem services in Ilaje, Nigeria. The case studies for this research were selected using the Excel Application. Furthermore, 30% of the buildings in each case studies were selected for questionnaire administration using the random technique and data were extrapolated from respondents and the relevant institutional agencies was also interviewed. Purposive sampling technique was used to get data from the officials of Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Commission (OSOPADEC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Town Planning Area Office and the Niger Delta Ministry on the management of ecosystem services within the study area. The study established that the different wetland management policies that has been put in place at both the local level and national is yet to be implemented in the state and the relevant oversight agencies appropriate institutional and legal framework to manage ecosystem services and that emanate from ecosystem services in Ilaje wetlands. Based on the above outcomes, those challenges could be solved by incorporating the concept of wise use of wetland to the operations of these agencies and other stakeholders especially the residents. In addition, more effective management framework was recommended for the management of the wetland ecosystem in Ilaje, Ondo State.