Livelihood and Resource Interaction of Households in Itu Wetland, Nigeria

Abstract

: The study empirically assessed the interactions between the Itu wetland resource of Akwa Ibom State and the livelihoods of the communities within it. A two-stage sampling method involving purposive sampling of 30% (6 communities) based on proximity to the resource and random selection of 30 households from the selected communities was utilized. In addition, 118 respondents were sampled using a semi-structured questionnaire. The outcome of the samples’ demographic characteristics and interaction with the wetland in terms of Level, frequency, time, and quantity of products utilized were presented using non-inferential statistics such as percentages, frequency, tables, and bar charts. Determinants influencing the utilization of the wetland by respondents were estimated with the aid of regression and ordinary least squares. Utilization of the Itu wetland was significantly (p<0.01) influenced by age (-0.0000508), educational status (-0.0000103), size of household population (-0.0002766), and distance from the wetland (-0.0001915). The study provides a critical stance for the conservation of the Itu wetland and a long-term plan for the inclusion of its local communities in its management as a critical strategy for ensuring its survival, sustainability, and integrity.