Assessing Wetland Functions in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2016
Authors
Ajibola, M.O
Oloyede, S.A
Oluwunmi, A.O
Emeghe, I.J
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Contemporary Issues in Real Estate.
Abstract
Until recently, wetlands were often viewed as waste lands, useful only when drained or filled. Every wetland is unique; a wetland in one part of a town may perform different functions from those in other parts though, they may appear at first glance, to be very similar. The location and size of a wetland may determine what functions it will perform. It is against this background that this study examined wetland functions in the Niger Delta, Nigeria with a view to ensuring that proper attention is given to such functions in the assessment of wetland value for various purposes, particularly compensation. The study used questionnaire instrument in collecting data. Seventy-two (72) questionnaires were retrieved out of which only fifty-five (55) of the respondents reported to have had previous experience in wetland valuation and only these were analysed. Descriptive analyses, relative importance index (RII) and principal components analysis (PCA) were employed in analysing the data collected. The study revealed that storm protection (RII = 3.65), shoreline stabilisation (RII = 3.51), recreation and tourism (RII = 3.49) and cilmate change mitigation are the four most important wetland functions in the study area. The study equally indicates that respondents basically valued crops (80%) and land (61.8%) at the expense of services (36.4%) and functions (29.1%) of wetlands. It was concluded that wetland functions are very important components of wetland ecosystems and that Estate Surveyors and Valuers should put these functions adequately into consideration when valuing these important natural resources, particularly for compensation purpose
Description
Scholarly articles
Keywords
Niger Delta , Wetland , Valuation , Nigeria , Research Subject Categories::TECHNOLOGY
Citation
Ajibola, M. O., Oloyede, S. A., Oluwunmi, A. O. and Emeghe, I. J. (2016). Assessing Wetland Functions in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria. Journal of Contemporary Issues in Real Estate, 3(1), 262-272.