ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS (BORGU SECTOR) OF THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES ON KAINJI LAKE NATIONAL PARK NIGERIA

Abstract

The assessment of the effects of socio-economic activities of surrounding villages on Kainji Lake National Park was done using three methods, namely; Direct Observation, used of Structured Questionnaires and Interviews. The observation involved making visual and on the spot assessment of environmental conditions, housing and household, living conditions. One hundred and fifty (150) copies of structured questionnaire were administered in each of the four villages, namely: Kemenji, Kuble, Luma and wawa. Interviews was conducted among the villagers and the Park management staff to obtain further information. Systematic sampling method was used in the selected of sam poled households for interview. The data collected were subjected to percentage distribution ranges and some ideas from the environmental evaluation system (EES) and judgmental impact matrix (JIM) methods which are based on Delhi procedures by Macallister. Overall, total 600 households were covered in the four villages. The sampled households contained 3,384 persons. The findings showed that most rural areas still lack the basic social amenities, especially pipe-borne water, electricity and health facilities. The study also show the Community-Based Conservation Projects that have taken place around Kainji Lake National Park, which started in 1999 has only limited impact. The study concluded that there is enormous pressure on the park from the surrounding communities and this has led to vital disappearance of some species of wildlife. This is a bleak perspective for the Park. Therefore, a package of strategies for rural and community development in order to achieve increase protection of bio-diversity, labour productivity in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, improvement In formal and non-formal education, health, water and construction of feeder roads to link villages to the surrounding communities are proposed. These schemes could boost the morale of the rural dwellers, strengthen their sense of participation in the National Park development and productivity.