The Role of Mass Media in Environmental Conservation Practices in Surulere Local Government Area

Abstract

This study analyzed role of mass media in environmental conservation practices in Surulere Local Government Area. A multistage sampling technique was employed for the study. The first stage involved the purposive selection of Surulere Local Government Area. The second stage involved purposive selection of two blocks from the LGA rural areas. The third stage involved random selection of two villages from each of the selected blocks: and a total of 100 household heads were sampled. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square. The mean age was 55.16 years old. The mean farming experience was 19 years. Sixteen percent (16%) of respondents had no formal education and about 40% of the respondents had primary education. The mean household size was 6 individuals. The mass media utilized by respondents were radio (100%), television (52%) and newspapers (41%). The respondents practiced environmental conservation methods which were fire trace (68%), drainage (52%), bush clearing (100%), ventilation (34%), mosquito net (66%) and cleaning gutter/canal (48%).  1 unit increase in the use of mass media could probably lead to 24% increase in the use of good and adequate ventilation among the respondents.

            It is concluded that, the use of newspaper for acquiring information on environmental conservation practices was the lowest. The utilization of appropriate ventilation was the lowest. A unit increase in the use of mass media could probably lead to 24% increase in the use of good and adequate ventilation among the respondents.