1Claribel Ihuoma Nwaonu, & 2Stanley Ifeanyi Ogbuji (AUTHORS)
1Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria
2Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author’s Email: sogbujiic@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT: The role of education and awareness programmes as a tool for promoting environmental behavioural change in urban cities cannot be overemphasized. It has been assumed that urban societies are more exposed to these education and awareness programmes. Despite the availability of these facilities, most of the urban cities in Nigeria are grappling with different forms of environmental degradation occasioned mainly by human activities. These environmental problems in the cities range from flooding, erosion, and waste management, among others. Hence, the study reviewed the roles of education and awareness programmes as a tool for promoting environmental behavioural change in urban cities. The paper looked at the importance of education and awareness programmes with some empirical evidence. It also investigated the major constraints to promoting environmental behavioural change through education and awareness programmes. The review outlined some gaps in the literature, such as overemphasis on knowledge and attitudinal outcomes rather than actual behaviour. In conclusion, it acknowledged the importance of education and awareness as tools in promoting environmental behavioural change in society. The study recommends, among others, the need for aligning education and awareness programmes with institutional policies and societal norms to reinforce sustainable behavioural change.
Keywords: Role; Education; Awareness programme; Environment; Behavioural Change