Environmental Protection: Knowledge-Based Practices of Agulu Women, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental protection is a growing global concern because of the growing awareness of the dependence of present and future generations on the environment for livelihood. As natural resource managers, women interact more with the environment and are worst hit by environmental degradation. Their level of knowledge of the environmental problems influences their environmental protection practices. The study assessed women’s level of knowledge of
environmental problems and the attendant environmental protection practices in Agulu, Anambra State, Nigeria, which has been designated by the Federal Government of Nigeria as an ecological disaster zone because of the menace of gully erosion. From the seven towns in Agulu selected for the study, 392 women were randomly selected and reached with a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire eliciting information on knowledge level of environmental problems and environmental protection practices on a 4-point likert scale. Results showed that a majority of Agulu women have knowledge of environmental problems and environmental protection practices. There is a direct relationship between the knowledge level of environmental problems and environmental protection practices among Agulu women. The study recommended increase of activities for environmental awareness, mass education on environmental problems  and mitigation. Women should be made part of any environmental management decision-making and process.