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Commercialization as a Tool for the Conservation of Environmental Resources
ADELEKE, BO & OGUNSUSI, K
Abstract
The primary objective of the paper is to report the survey of environmental resources conducted in
Ode-Irele forest using two staged technique. This study was framed within the model that sustainable management of
environmental resources is a consequence of heavy reliance on subsistence extraction of resources. Data were analysed
using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. The result reveals that 65% of the respondents hunted
wild animals for food, 62% also traded in wild animals and their products, 69% traded in natural honey, and 86% also
traded in medicinal plants. 92% of respondents were involved in collecting wood for use and sale, while 92% were also
involved in trade in wild fruits. Most of the respondents, who hunted animals for food, traded in wild animals and their
products, natural honey, medicinal plants, wild fruits and those who also collected firewood for use and sale also conserved
trees on their farms for the continued availability of the resources. Sustainable use of environmental resources by local
residents in natural forested areas could only be achieved if they realize that continued availability of the resources is
dependent upon the wise use and most importantly the conservation of the resources.
Keywords
Conservation; Environmental resources; Management; Sustainable
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