COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AS TOOLS FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN
AKPABUYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA.
Sam, Ime Edet Ph.D
Ukanga, Idorenyin Partrick Ph.D & Otukpa, Maria Oshama
Department of Environmental Education, College of Education,
University of Calabar, Calabar.
Corresponding Author: Sam, Ime Edet Ph.D,
Abstract
This study examined the role of community environmental services as tools for environmental education and sustainable development in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. The research adopted a descriptive survey design, engaging 150 participants drawn from community-based organizations, teachers, and local environmental officers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and focus group discussions, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The study also found a positive correlation between community participation in environmental services and the level of environmental awareness (r = 0.72, p < 0.05). However, challenges such as inadequate funding, poor institutional support, and limited educational outreach constrained the effectiveness of these programs. Findings revealed that community environmental services such as community clean-up campaigns, tree planting exercises, and waste recycling initiatives significantly enhanced residents’ understanding of ecological issues and fostered behavioral changes toward sustainable living. The study concludes that community environmental services, when properly integrated with environmental education strategies, serve as powerful tools for promoting sustainable development in rural Nigeria. It recommends that local governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) strengthen partnerships, provide environmental education training, and ensure sustained community engagement in environmental initiatives to achieve long-term sustainability goals.
Keywords: environmental education, community environmental services, sustainable development, rural participation, Akpabuyo, Nigeria DOWNLOAD FULLPDF