Increasing urbanization around the Amurum Forest Reserve: is conservation efforts threatened more by duration of residency or distance of settlement to reserve?

Abstract

Human population size has surged significantly within the Jos metropolis over the
past years consequently, this has led to rapid urban expansion across the landscape.
One of the few remaining natural habitats on the Jos -Plateau witnessing such
extensive urban drift towards its boundary is the Amurum Forest Reserve (AFR).
Thus, of greater concern in relation to the sustainability of the conservation efforts
at the AFR is the behavioural and attitudinal changes occurring gradually in the
area. Thus, how this differs between old (> 10 years) and new settlers (≤ 10 years)
and with proximity of a settlement from the reserve are the major questions this
study sort to answer. This was carried out through questionnaire survey of 52 -
households in each of 4 communities surrounding the AFR namely Kerker (0.76 km
from AFR), Laminga (0.99 km), Zarazon (1.85 km) and Kwanga (3.39 km). Due to the
count nature of data obtained Chi-square test was used for analysis. Results
revealed that old settlers and communities closest to the reserve were more
appreciative of the conservation efforts in the area and are more knowledgeable
about the presence of the reserve than new settlers. Also, in terms of negative
environmental behaviours such as appetite for wildlife (bushmeat) consump tion and
source of energy for cooking old settlers and communities closest to the reserve
ranked highest compared to new settlers and communities furthest from the
reserve. However potential for carbon emission through vehicular ownership was
higher among new settlers. The negative behaviours observed were viewed to have
adverse future consequences on the biodiversity in the reserve. However, if the
appropriate livelihood alternatives and enlightenment of the populace is carried
out, conservation of the AFR could be sustainable.