Socio-economic analysis of citizens’ participation in forest conservation in Ikom Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria

The general objective of this study was to assess the relationship between some socio-economic variables of the citizens and participation in forest conservation in Ikom zone of the Cross River State Agricultural Development Project, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to describe some of the socio-economic variables of the people, ascertain the relationship between some socio-economic variables and their participation in forest conservation and to assess the level of participation of male and female citizens in forest conservation. Also, one research hypothesis was developed to test the level of participation of male and female citizens in forest conservation activities. A total of three hundred (300) respondents were randomly selected from three (3) local government areas (Boki, Ikom and Etung). Data were obtained with the aid of a validated questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using frequency count, percentages, chi-square and probit regression analysis. The result of the analysis revealed that a substantial proportion of the respondents were youth within the age range of 30-35 years and also educated, majority of the respondents had large family sizes (10-14 persons). Also, low income of 20,000 – 60,000 characterizes the status of most respondents with farming as their main occupation. It was also revealed that there is a significant variation between female and male level of participation in forest conservation, as men are more disposed to participate. The study therefore recommended that women should be trained to acquire necessary skills and credit facilities should be provided to citizens to motivate them to conserve the forest and its resources. Keywords: Citizens’ participation and forest conservation