Assessing the Influence of Gender Awareness and Attitude to Forest Resource Conservation in Cross River State

Abstract

Over the years man’s activities has drastically affected the forest ecosystem without any effort in providing alternative to ensuring the sustainability of the natural ecosystem. This paper attempts to examine the influence of gender awareness and attitude to forest resource conservation. Ten communities were used in this study and of which six hundred questionnaires were administered using random sampling technique. Findings indicate thatthe indigenouscommunities’ attitude and awareness to forest conservation was very pooras affirmed in the data collected that indicate that, the male gender attitude and awarenessto forest resource conservation was low compared to female gender in the study area. Therefore, adequate measures must be put in place to ensure effective conservation of the forest ecosystem.

Keywords: Awareness attitude, conservation, gender, forest resources.