Assessment of the Impacts and People’S Perception of Bush Burning on the Grasslands and Montane Ecosystems of the Obanliku Hills/Plateau, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of bush burning on the grassland and montane ecosystems of Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River state. Three hypotheses were formulated for the study. The sample of the study consisted of 200 respondents, the sample distribution in terms of gender, location and occupation was equitable. A 21- item structured and validated questionnaire was used to gather information from the respondents. The hypotheses were tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient analysis. Based on the results obtained the following findings were made: significant relationship exists between bush burning and between people level of perception and their attitude toward bush burning on grassland and montane ecosystems conclusions were drawn and recommendations such as employing the service of environmentalists to serve as extension agents  in communities, provision of articles in journal and textbooks in community and / or public libraries treating bush burning  it’s impacts and the various mitigation measures to curb the problem were made.

Keywords: bush burning, grasslands, montane ecosystems.