The overall objective of the study was to assess the respondents’ perception of human-induced environmental challenges in the municipality. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the association between respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and their environmental perceptions or concerns; assess the respondents’ knowledge of environmental problems in the municipality; examine the respondents’ perception on the causes of the environmental problems; and examine the respondents’ views on improving upon the quality of their environment.
The effects of human activities on the environment are evident in the changes to the functioning of the ecosystems, earth’s oceans, atmosphere, freshwater systems, and land surfaces resulting in environmental challenges including freshwater shortages, climate change, lost of biodiversity and exhaustion of fisheries.
Birim Central Municipality is endowed with abundant natural resources such as diamond and gold deposits, forest, fertile soil and many water bodies, which contribute to the socio-economic development of the municipality and the country as a whole. In spite of the continuous exploitation of these natural resources to meet the legitimate socio-economic aspirations of the people, adequate care has not often been taken to guard against the depletion and mismanagement of the resources in the municipality. This attitude has led to increase in human-induced environmental challenges such as land degradation, water and air pollution in the municipality. Moreover, there seem to be little or no effort by the residents in addressing the overexploitation of such resources and its impacts on the environment as well as on the people.
The issue of deforestation in Birim Central Municipality has become a serious concern for the Municipal Assembly. However, efforts by the Assembly to clump down on indiscriminate activities of the sawmill industries, charcoal burners, farmers and mining companies on the forest have not recorded much success. For example, the Forestry Commission Division of the Assembly made an attempt to register and to be able to monitor and control the activities of the chainsaw operators but only few were registered. In addition to the depletion of the forest, the future source of livelihood of many of the people which depends upon the natural environment will be severely affected.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Research Questions
1.4 Objectives of the Study
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Delimitation of the Study
1.7 Organization of the Study
2. CHAPTER TWO
2.1 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1.1 Introduction
2.1.2 Natural and Human-Induced Environmental Challenges
2.1.3 Natural Environmental Challenges
2.1.4 Human-Induced Environmental Challenges
2.1.5 Land Degradation
2.1.6 Deforestation
2.1.7 Water Pollution
2.1.8 Air Pollution
2.1.9 Noise Pollution
2.1.10 Social System Responses to Human-Induced Environmental Challenges
2.1.11 Public Participation in Environmental Protection
2.1.12 Cultural Responses to Environmental Protection
2.1.13 The Role of Environmental Education in Environmental Protection
2.1.14 The Role of Environmental Policy Institutions in Environmental Protection
2.1.15 The Role of Environmental Protection Agency in Environmental Protection
2.1.16 District Assemblies Role in Protecting the Environment
2.1.17 The Role of Non Governmental Organizations in Protecting the Environment
2.1.18 The Concept of Environmental Perception
2.1.19 Knowledge or Awareness of Environmental Issues
2.1.20 Theories of Attitudes and Behaviour Linkages
2.1.21 Psychological Model Linking Attitude and Behaviour
2.1.22 Perceived State-Pressure-Response Conceptual Framework for the Study
3. CHAPTER THREE
3.1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1.1 Introduction
3.1.2 Research Design
3.1.3 Study Area
3.1.4 Sample Population
3.1.5 Sampling Procedure
3.1.6 Sample Size
3.1.7 Data Collection Instruments
3.1.8 Pre-Testing of Questionnaire
3.1.9 Data Collection Procedures
3.1.10 Reliability and Validity
3.1.11 Data Processing and Analysis
3.1.12 Summary
4. CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1.1 Introduction
4.1.2 Respondents’ Socio-demographic Characteristics and Environmental Concerns
4.1.3 Respondents’ Knowledge of the Environmental Problems in the Municipality
4.1.4 Respondents’ Perceived Major Environmental Problems in the Communities
4.1.5 Respondents’ Perceived Land Degradation in the Communities
4.1.6 Respondents’ Perceived Poor Sanitation in the Communities
4.1.7 Respondents’ Perceived Deforestation in the Communities
4.1.8 Respondents’ Perceived Water Pollution in the Communities
4.1.9 Respondents’ Perceived Air Pollution in the Communities
4.1.10 Respondents’ Perceived Flooding in the Communities
4.1.11 Respondents’ Views on Improving the Quality of the Environment
4.1.12 Summary
5. CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1.1 Introduction
5.1.2 Summary
5.1.3 Conclusions
5.1.4 Recommendations
5.1.5 Limitations to the study
5.1.6 Suggestions for further research
Objectives & Research Themes
The study aims to evaluate residents' perceptions of human-induced environmental challenges within the Birim Central Municipality. By assessing socio-demographic influences on environmental awareness, the research investigates the residents' knowledge of existing environmental problems, their perspectives on the underlying causes of these issues, and their support for strategies aimed at improving environmental quality to ensure sustainable development.
- Analysis of residents' perception of environmental degradation and human-induced challenges.
- Assessment of the correlation between socio-demographic factors and environmental awareness.
- Investigation of key environmental issues, including land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution.
- Evaluation of the role of institutions and community participation in environmental governance.
Excerpt from the Book
Background to the Study
From the beginning of the twentieth century environmental issues, problems and challenges have been at the centre of people's daily life in such a way that in mid 1920's worrying consequences of environmental pollution attracted more attention every day (Lorey & Kemp, 2007; Salehi, 2009). The past two decades have witnessed increasing scholarly attention to human dimensions of environmental challenge as well as public concern with environmental issues. However, majority of work on public environmental perception explored these issues within the context of developed economies (Curran, Kumar, Lurtz, & Meryl, 2002; Mertig, Dunlap, & Morrison, 2002). Nevertheless, the developing regions mostly depend on the natural resources for social and economic development (High & Shackleton, 2000; Twine, Moshe, Netshiluvhi, & Siphugu, 2003). It is therefore necessary to increase environmental consciousness among the developing regions for sustainable development.
In spite of the indispensable role of the natural environment in supporting life on earth and providing a multitude of valuable service to mankind such as habitable climate, provision of clean air and water; man’s use of the natural resources often leads to the degradation of the natural environment (Myers & Patz, 2009). For instance Boafo (2012) noted that man’s bid to make a reasonable living through economic activities such as mining, logging and agricultural expansion often results in human-induced environmental challenges (as cited Boafo, 2013). The International Council for Science [ICUS] (2007) defined human-induced environmental challenges as environmental hazards or disasters (challenges) that are caused and/or accelerated by human activities. The human-induced environmental challenges include land degradation, deforestation, insanitary environmental conditions, water, air and noise pollution.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Outlines the background of the study, problem statement, research questions, and the significance of assessing residents' environmental perceptions for sustainable development in the Birim Central Municipality.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE: Provides a comprehensive overview of natural and human-induced environmental challenges, social responses, and the conceptual framework linking human activities, the state of the environment, and policy interventions.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Describes the descriptive cross-sectional design, the study area, target population, sampling procedure, data collection instruments, and the analytical techniques used in the research.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Analyzes the collected data regarding residents' socio-demographic characteristics, their environmental awareness, perceived causes of issues like land degradation and deforestation, and their perspectives on environmental improvement.
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Synthesizes the research findings, draws conclusions about the gap between environmental knowledge and actual behavioral change, and provides recommendations for integrating transformative environmental education and community-based programs.
Keywords
Environmental perception, human-induced environmental challenges, sustainable development, Birim Central Municipality, land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, environmental awareness, waste management, public participation, environmental policy, ecological degradation, community-based environmental protection, environmental education, socio-demographic characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research?
The work focuses on assessing how residents in the Birim Central Municipality perceive human-induced environmental challenges and their impact on the local natural environment.
What are the primary themes discussed in the book?
The book covers environmental perception, socio-demographic drivers of environmental concern, common local environmental issues, and the effectiveness of current environmental management strategies.
What is the overarching research goal?
The primary goal is to examine the residents' perception of state, pressure, and response regarding local environmental issues to provide insights for future policy and sustainable development.
Which scientific methodology does the author use?
The study employs a descriptive cross-sectional research design, utilizing quantitative survey data and qualitative in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and traditional leaders.
What topics are explored in the main body of the research?
The main body examines the specific causes of land degradation, deforestation, poor sanitation, and water pollution, alongside an analysis of how socio-demographic variables like age, education, and income correlate with environmental awareness.
How would you describe the key characteristics of this study?
The work is characterized by its focus on public perception, integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge, and a commitment to analyzing the gap between theoretical environmental awareness and practical behavioral change.
What role does the 'Perceived State-Pressure-Response' (PSPR) framework play?
The PSPR framework is the building block of the study, used to structurally organize the respondents' perceptions of current environmental conditions, the human activities causing them, and potential solutions.
What specific local challenges does the study highlight regarding waste management?
The study highlights significant issues with indiscriminate waste disposal, the lack of proper waste containers, and the inappropriate placement of existing disposal sites, exacerbated by poor physical planning in the municipality.
How do illegal mining activities affect the local perception of the environment?
Illegal mining, locally known as 'galamsey', is perceived as a major driver of land degradation and water pollution, causing deep concern among residents who depend on these resources for their livelihoods.
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- Clarke Owusu (Autor), 2015, Perception of Human-Induced Environmental Challenges in the Birim Central Municipality, Ghana, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/454385
