Analysis of Level and Extent of Anthropogenic Activities in and Around Protected Areas (PAs): Case of Baturiya Wetlands, Jigawa State Nigeria

Abstract

Wetlands are transitional points of habitats that are normally situated between a water body, vegetation cover and dry land. Human activities and climate change influence, the net loss of natural features in global wetlands. However, in the earlier 1990s, people began to understand the benefit of wetlands. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the level of anthropogenic activity in and around Baturiya wetlands and also to provide information on the extent of exploitation on Baturiya wetland. A questionnaire was designed and administered according to the objectives of the study. The result shows that a majority of the anthropogenic activity was conducted by men within the age range of 21-50 years. About 92.5% of the respondents are aware of the effect of the serial disturbances on vegetation resources. The exploitation was mainly for the massive use of energy, income generation, medicinal use and constructional materials. There is a strong need from the management and stakeholders to formulate a deliberate strategy for the provision of an alternative source of energy, health facilities, and a systematic awareness through training to the local communities around the Protected Areas (PAs) on wetland values, sustainable use of wetland resources and conservation strategies.