Abstract:
iodiversity encompasses variety and variability of all forms of life on earth.
Conservation of biodiversity is vital for the livelihood of nearby community. This paper
examines the attitudes of local communities toward biodiversity conservation in 'Uwen
forest. Two hundred farmers were selected for the study . Ten respondents from each
village were purposely selected for focus group discussion and ten respondents.from each
village also randomly selected for interview. The results showed that more than half of
the respondents have not good perception towards biodiversity conservation and they are
less willingful to conserve biodiversity. Biodiversity in the study area is affected mainly
by human activities. Agricultural expansion, collection of fire wood, timber production,
charcoal production and poaching are the major threats. There was Statistical significant
relation between the attitude and age, education level and income of the respondents,
indicating that these variables influence the attitude of the participants. This study
suggests that increasing farmers' awareness and knowledge about conservation of
biodiversity has to be a priority for further community participation. The legal protection
of biodiversity should be also strengthening.
