PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDES OF RESIDENTS TOWARDS THE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE KYABOBO NATIONAL PARK, GHANA

ABSTRACT

Protected Areas are increasingly becoming significant due to their double potential as tourism and biodiversity conservation areas. This has led to an increasing desire by governments to convert a lot of forests into Protected Areas. However, these conversions are sometimes met with strict opposition from members of fringe communities. This is sometimes attributed to the destruction of livelihood sources of community members and thus affects the smooth management of protected areas. The objective of this study therefore was to examine the perception and attitudes residents towards the effective management the Kyabobo National Park in the Nkwanta North District of Ghana. Using a mixed method approach, 200 questionnaires were administered to respondents in five fringe communities. Focus Group Discussions and interviews were also used to collect field data and information. The study revealed that majority of community members do not receive any form of social, economic or cultural benefits from the KNP but they were however supportive of the establishment of conservation area where biodiversity can be preserved. The study also revealed that the perception and attitude of respondents are not influenced by their demographic variables such as age, level of education and occupation. Respondents however had negative attitudes towards the park because promises made by park authorities before the conversion of the place to a park had not been kept. The negative attitudes therefore affect the effective management of the park. It is recommended that government and management of the park fulfill their promises to residents. Also, alternative livelihood options should be provided for residents to avoid illegal entry into the park. The planning of sensitization programs should involve all residents and not target only certain demographic categories as there is no relationship between demographic characteristics of respondents and their perception and attitude towards protected areas.