Alternative Livelihood Options and Forest Resources Conservation in Cross River State, Nigeria 3 0

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate alternative livelihood options and forest resources conservation in Cross River State. To achieve the purpose of this study, 2 null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Conceptual and empirical literature were reviewed in accordance with the variables of the study. Predictive correlational research design was utilized for the study. The population of the study comprised all adult residents in forest communities in Cross River State. The ten local government areas and fifty-seven communities used for the study were proportionately selected using simple random sampling technique while systematic random sampling technique was adopted to select the six hundred and fifty-three (653) respondents used for the study. A forty-five item four-point Likert scale questionnaire was the instrument utilized for data collection. The instrument was duly validated by lecturers in Environmental Education and Measurement and Evaluation in the University of Calabar. Cronbach alpha method was used to ascertain the reliability of the research instrument. To test the hypotheses formulated for the study, simple linear and multiple regression statistical tools were employed for data analysis. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings obtained from analysis of data and testing of hypotheses in the study revealed that there was a significant relationship between bee keeping, snail farming and forest resources conservation among members of forest communities in Cross River State. Based on these findings it was recommended among other things that non-Governmental organizations working on alternative livelihood activities should continue to empower more people with skills for snail farming in order to generate more income and conserve forest resources.