Peoples’ Perception of Environmental Degradation in the Semi-Arid Zone of North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental degradation is fast becoming a serious problem affecting peoples’ lives by affecting both socioeconomic and socio cultural activities, especially in this fragile ecosystem located in the semi arid environment. This research examined the general perception of people on environmental degradation in the semi arid Northeastern states of Nigeria. The research aims at finding peoples’ level of awareness and perception of environmental degradation. This was achieved through testing the level of awareness of the people on environmental degradation; also common environmental problems were identified and major human activity leading to the problem. Six (6) local government areas were selected purposefully because; they were the major area affected.  A total of fifty (50) samples were drawn through systematic sampling, in each of the six affected areas, making a total of three hundred samples (300) for the research. Interview schedule was also employed. The findings of the study, indicated that the majority of the people in the study area is aware of the adverse impacts of various human activities on the environment, but sadly due to poverty and ignorance majority of the people remained adamant on embarking on practices that will ameliorate some of these adverse impacts. Based on the findings, it is recommended among other things, that there should be mass grass root mobilization to carry along the general populace in development projects and programs that will enhance environmental management and conservation in the study area.