Authors
- Azuka C. Ogbonna (corresponding),
Department of Estate Management, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Nigeria. Email: ogbonnaazukachristian@gmail.com - Faisal C. Emetumah,
Department of Geography & Environmental Management, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria - Chika C. Sam-Otuonye,
Department of Estate Management, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria - Stanislaus A. Okeahialam,
Department of Estate Management, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria
Abstract
Wetlands provide essential ecological, economic, and socio-cultural services, yet they continue to experience rapid degradation due to increasing anthropogenic pressures. This study examined the factors influencing the Total Economic Value (TEV) of wetland loss in the Lower Niger–Orashi Basin (LNORB), Nigeria, with emphasis on the economic, environmental, social, and institutional dimensions of wetland degradation.
A quantitative survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 331 respondents across communities within the LNORB. Descriptive statistics, Kendall’s Tau-b correlation, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were employed to analyse the data.
The results revealed a high dependence on wetland resources, with 86.1% of respondents utilizing wetlands every week. Potable water use, tree logging, farm practices, aquaculture, land reclamation, heavy metal accumulation, cultural values, and government corruption emerged as the most influential factors affecting the TEV of wetland loss.
Kendall’s Tau-b analysis showed significant positive relationships between economic and social factors and between economic and institutional factors (p < 0.05). PCA further identified two principal environmental components explaining 87.09% of the total variance, confirming significant variation among environmental factors.
The study concludes that wetland loss in the LNORB is driven by interconnected economic, environmental, social, and institutional factors. It recommends strengthening institutional governance, promoting sustainable livelihood practices, and integrating wetland conservation into regional development planning.
Keywords:
TEV; Wetland loss; Lower Niger; Orashi; PCA; Kendall’s Tau-b