Ogunjinmi A.A., Onadeko S.A., Inah E.I., Oloyede Osunsina I.O.
Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Forestry and Wi
Ogunjinmi, A.A., Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Onadeko, S.A., Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Inah, E.I., Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Calabar, Cross-River-State, Nigeria; Oloyede Osunsina, I.O., Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
Appropriate communication content that touches on the reality and experience of local people is an important tool in engendering understanding and support for conservation initiatives. The study discussed in this article focused on the communication content from Nigeria National Parks and its implications for local responses to conservation initiatives. The study was conducted in the regions surrounding seven national parks in Nigeria. The overall governance of the parks lies with Nigeria National Park Service, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment. Data collection was through face-to-face questionnaire administration. The data revealed that the content of the parks' communication with the local communities was frequently focused on illegal activities in the parks and the role of community members in the protection of park resources, government prohibition on using of the resources in the parks, and park laws and regulations. However, less emphasis was placed on alternative resource use and sustainable practices, ecotourism, and local benefits from the existence of the parks. The study highlighted the effects of park management communications on local support for park policies and activities. It was found that conservation agencies in developing countries, Nigeria in particular, require a systematic and holistic communication strategy that takes into account people's needs, concerns, and a sense of integration in management of protected areas to achieve any meaningful success in conservation activities.