Livelihood and Resource Interaction of Households in Itu Wetland, Nigeria

Abstract

The study empirically assessed theinteractions between the Itu wetland resource of Akwa Ibom State and thelivelihoods of the communities within it. A two-stagesampling method involving purposive sampling of 30% (6 communities) based onproximity to the resource and random selection of 30 households from the selectedcommunities was utilized. In addition, 118 respondents were sampled using asemi-structured questionnaire. The outcome of the samples’ demographiccharacteristics and interaction with the wetland in terms of Level, frequency,time, and quantity of products utilized were presented using non-inferentialstatistics such as percentages, frequency, tables, and bar charts. Determinantsinfluencing the utilization of the wetland by respondents were estimated withthe aid of regression and ordinary least squares. Utilization of the Ituwetland was significantly (p<0.01)influenced by age (-0.0000508), educational status (-0.0000103), size ofhousehold population (-0.0002766), and distance from the wetland (-0.0001915).The study provides a critical stance for the conservation of the Itu wetlandand a long-term plan for the inclusion of its local communities in itsmanagement as a critical strategy for ensuring its survival, sustainability,and integrity.