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A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION: EVALUATING THE STRATEGIC WAYS OF MANAGING NATURAL RESOURCES IN AKWA IBOM STATE.

ABSTRACT

This study critically analyses the primary causes of environmental degradation, including deforestation, pollution, industrialisation, overpopulation, and climate change. The study explores the prevalence in tropical regions and urban areas of how these activities disrupt ecosystems, contribute to climate change, diminish biodiversity, and jeopardise human health and livelihoods. Furthermore, it evaluates the effect of environmental degradation on natural resources, particularly in developing regions that rely heavily on natural resources for survival. In addressing these issues, the study highlights the strategic ways to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental degradation. Approaches such as integrated resource management, sustainable practices, engagement of local communities, and collaborative partnerships are examined. In carrying out the study the descriptive survey design was adopted. The study was carried out in Akwa Ibom State and the targeted population for the study comprised Environmental Scientist in Akwa Ibom State. A stratified sampling technique was used to select 15 Environmental Scientist from each of the 4 local government areas of the three senatorial districts each and it gave a which gave a total of 180 respondents used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was an Environmental Degradation Questionnaire (EDQ). Face and content validation of the instrument was carried out by an expert in test, measurement, and evaluation in order to ensure that the instrument has the accuracy, appropriateness, and completeness for the study under consideration. The reliability coefficient obtained was 0.78, and this was high enough to justify the use of the instrument. The researcher subjected the data generated for this study to appropriate statistical technique such descriptive statistics to answer research questions. It was observed that climate change was the highest cause of environmental degradation, while pollution was the least. The results also proved that “Habitat destruction and ecosystem services” was the highest effects of environmental degradation on natural resources, while “Resource Stress” was the least. Finally, it was observed that “The establishment of collaborative partnerships” was the highest strategic way of managing the affected environmental degradation, while “The establishment of strong regulatory frameworks” was the least. The study concluded that effective strategies are essential to mitigate degradation and ensure ecological sustainability, balancing economic development with the long-term health of ecosystems. One of the recommendations provided was that governments and industries should adopt sustainable resource management practices that focus on the conservation of natural resources which include implementing policies that promote responsible forestry, efficient water use, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Keyword: Environmental Degradation, Causes, Effects, Strategic and Natural Resources

Ezekiel James Bassey

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN EDUCATION AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCE, VOL . 7 NO.1.