Environmental Education And Training - A Study Of The Abokobi Afforestation Programme

Abstract This is a study on environmental education and training carried out at Abokobi village for an afforestation programme on the hillsides of the Betebete hills. This study specifically set out to find out; 1. The methods of teaching and training that were used in imparting Knowledge, creating awareness and giving skills to the participants. 2. The extent of impact of the programme on the lifestyle (i.e. attitudinal change) of the people. 3. How the change has helped in managing the environment. A sample size of fifty-tw o respondents was selected through purposive sampling technique from members of the Abokobi - "Friends of the Earth" branch who participated in the programme. They were put in five groups. A focused group interview schedule method was used in collecting data from them. In addition a questionnaire and an interview were, used to collect data from the sta ff at “FOE" office, the organisation that delivered the education and training. The major finding of the study was that group discussions, workshops and field demonstration methods were some of the techniques adopted in education respondents. These methods were very appropriate and well embraced since they portrayed a participatory and interactive manner of teaching and learning. 1+ was also discovered that the get - involved practical approach of training respondents to acquire skill has empowered them with problem - solving capacity and a self-reliant attitude towards the project. These human capacity development skills have brought a change in their attitudes towards the environment and it is believed that it would go a long way in sustaining the project. Another major finding too was that knowledge transfer through pictures, posters, visual aids and the like have positive effect in educating people with low educational background reinforcing effect of attitude change. The study concludes by recommending that similar educational techniques be adopted for most of our rural dwellers who are experiencing deforestation problems. With trees and forest products as the main source of energy for most rural dwellers, afforestation programmes of this sort should be intensified throughout the country to address the desertification issue approaching the northern sector and the savannah zones.