January 2015 Vol. 3 No.1

Search Pubmed for articles by:
 

Wahab MKA
Ayodele IA

Other links:
PubMed Citation
Related articles in PubMed


 

Original Research Article

Human activities and biodiversity conservation: Osun Osogbo World Heritage Site, Nigeria

^*1Wahab M. K. A., ²Alarape A. A. and ²Ayodele I. A.

¹Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Uniosun, Osogbo.
²Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, University of Ibadan.

*Corresponding Author's Email: munir.wahab@uniosun.edu.ng

Accepted January 05, 2015

Abstract

The study was undertaken at the Osun Osogbo World Heritage Site in the South-western region of Nigeria. The Sacred site, located approximately between latitudes N70.450201 and E40. 33071 in the south western corner of the country, is an important habitat for wildlife of both local and global conservation significance. This study investigated the effects of human activities (e.g. farming, hunting, fuelwood harvesting, etc.) on the environment and biodiversity conservation in the area, as well as the implications of such activities for the future of the Osun Osogbo Festival of the local Osogbo people. The festival is an important ecotourism attraction, which is of economic and socio-cultural significance for the local people and the country at large. The methodology involved interviews with a cross-section of the local people, and focus group discussions (FGD). The results indicated that, among the various human activities undertaken in the area, fuel wood harvesting, bushfire setting, hunting, and farming had the greatest impact on biodiversity conservation through degradation of the ecosystem over the years. Furthermore, about 85% of the respondents regarded the “Osun Osogbo” Festival as a major socio economic activity in the area. There, however, appeared to be little awareness of both “western” and traditional methods of wildlife conservation. Suggestions for the improvement of the ecosystem and its sustainable management are: (i) biodiversity conservation club initiatives, (ii) enhancement of conservation education and awareness (iii) public enlightenment on traditional and modern knowledge system of biodiversity conservation, (iv) initiating incentive packages for implementing agencies and (vi) encouraging community participation initiatives in conservation management strategies.

Keywords: Conservation management, Osun Osogbo festival, Sacred grove, World heritage site and protected Area