Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife Resource Conservation in Nsukka Agricultural Zone of Enugu State

Abstract 

The study determined the impact of climate change on wildlife resource conservation in Nsukka Agricultural zone of Enugu State. Specifically, the study identified the impacts of climate change on wildlife habitat, wildlife forages, wildlife health and reproduction, environmental degradation threats on wildlife conservation and sustainable wildlife conservation practices to preserve wildlife resources. Five research questions and five null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Five research questions were answered and five null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The population for the study was 138 comprising 115 registered farmers (hunters) and 23 extension agents in Nsukka Agricultural Zone of Enugu State. No sample was drawn as the population was manageable. The research instrument was subjected to face validation by three experts, all from the Department of Agricultural Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The instrument was trial tested on 20 respondents outside the study area. The data collected were subjected to reliability test using Cronbach Alpha which yielded a coefficient of 0.78. The instrument was administered by the researcher with the help of three research assistants. One hundred and thirty four out of 138 copies of the instrument administered were duly completed and returned reflecting a return rate of 97%. The data collected were analyzed using Mean to answer research questions while t-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance(p). Findings of the study, among others, revealed that flooding destroys nesting home for wildlife; drought affects forest tree growth and regeneration; drought conditions alter breeding sites; climate change favours the growth of plant pests and diseases; heavy rainfall events cause flooding of wildlife habitat; thunder storm sets habitats on fire; alteration of habitat by extreme weather events makes habitat unconducive; strong winds pull down tree and expose the habitat and excessive sunshine affects vegetative growth. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that the findings on the impact of climate change on wildlife habitat should be packaged and used as tool for public enlightenment and education by the National Orientation Agency to sensitize Nigerians on the dangers of climate change.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page I

Approval Page II

Certification III

Dedication IV

Acknowledgements V

Table of Contents VI

List of Tables IX

List of Figures X

Abstract XI

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 6

Purpose of the Study 7

Significance of the Study 7

Research Questions 8

Research Hypotheses 8

Scope of the Study 9

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 10

Conceptual Framework 10

Concept of Climate and Climate Change 10

Wildlife and Wildlife Resources 14

Wildlife Conservation 18

Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife Habitat 20

Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife Forages 25

Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife Health and Reproduction 29

Environmental Degradation Threats on Wildlife Conservation 34

Wildlife Conservation Practices 39

Theoretical Framework 50

Anthropogenic Global Warming Theory 50

Ecological System Theory 51

Related Empirical Studies 52

Summary of Literature Reviewed 57

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY 60

Design of the Study 60

Area of the Study 60

Population of the Study 60

Sample and Sampling Technique 61

Instrument for Data Collection 61

Validation of the Instrument 62

Reliability of the Instrument 62

Method of Data Collection 62

Method of Data Analysis 63

CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA 64

Research Question 1 64

Hypothesis 1 65

Research Question 2 66

Hypothesis 2 67

Research Question 3 68

Hypothesis 3 69

Research Question 4 70

Hypothesis 4 71

Research Question 5 73

Hypothesis 5 74

Findings of the Study 76

Discussion of the findings 78

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 83

Restatement of the Problem 83

Summary of the Procedure Used 84

Principal Findings 84

Conclusion 85

Implications of the Study 86

Recommendations 86

Limitations of the Study 87

Suggestion for Further Study 87

REFERENCES 88

APPENDICES 100

1. Request to Respond to Questionnaire 100

2. Request to Validate Research Instrument 101

3. Questionnaire on the Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife

Conservation in Nsukka Agricultural Zone of Enugu State 102

4. Population Distribution of Farmers and Extension Agents in

Nsukka Agricultural Zone of Enugu State 105

5. Evidence of Instrument Validation 106