A Study on Gender Involvement in Environmental Protection in Pedro Village, Lagos

Abstract

Women around the world play distinct roles in protecting the environment; plants and animals in forests, dry lands, wetlands and in agriculture. This study examined women involvement in environmental protection in Pedro village, a rural riverine area in Iwaya-Yaba, Lagos. A total of 120 women dwelling in Pedro village, Lagos were used for the study. Primary data were generated from a structured questionnaire survey of the women. Focus group discussion and participatory observations were also used as basic data gathering tools. Data collected were summarized and computed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages). Results of this study showed that women have some knowledge in protecting the environment and natural resources. They participated in environmental protection significantly through agricultural activities, drainage management, waste disposal, flood management and water resource management. It was recommended that enlightenment campaigns, workshops and seminars should be organized on regular basis to educate the women and the general public on the importance of and how to improve on environmental protection. Women should also be encouraged to be part of any committee on environmental protection projects, programmes, and policies to address gender imbalances in decision making.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n7p20