Community Participation in Conservation and Management of Cultural Heritage Resources in Yoruba Ethnic Group of South Western Nigeria

Abstract

The sustainability of cultural heritage resources is strongly linked to the effective participation of local communities in the conservation and management of these resources. This forms the basis for undertaken this project in the selected communities in Ondo and Ekiti State of Yoruba ethnic groups of South Western Nigeria. Multiple research methods were employed for this study including Key Informants Interview and administration of structured questionnaire to the purposively selected respondents. A sample of 768 respondents was selected from the total population of 895,406 using sample determination method. The selection of respondents was based on their proximity to the resources, their local knowledge, communal ownership, disposition and willingness to participate in the study. The data collected was rated on a 5 point Likert scale and then subjected to the weighted mean analysis. Spearman correlation and linear regression were used to test hypotheses in order to established relationships between sociodemographic characteristics and level of community participation. Output from this research, emphasizes the need to improve the state of heritage properties through effective conservation and sustainable management practices and increasing community involvement and participation. This will serve as a blueprint and developmental framework for policymakers in heritage resources conservation and management with the intention of linking these resources to increase direct economic benefits to local communities.

Collaboration or Contravention? Ramifications For Effective Participatory Decision-Making in Collaborative Forest Management at Echuya Central Forest Reserve, South Western Uganda

“…On the other hand, sometimes community members refuse to participate in project activities because they do not support the ideas or projects being implemented. Likewise, Oladeji et al (2022) noted that community members are reluctant to engage in conservation activities in which they have minimal interest. Effective participation in decision-making was further reported to be undermined by low attendance at meetings.…”

Heritage Values and Community Perception: A Look Into the Historic Ruins of Dinajpur Rajbari

“…On the other hand, in the last 40 years, the increasing emphasis on social value, which refers to a shared connection to a place representing significant meanings and values for a community, has spurred a renewed belief in the significance of public involvement in heritage management (Diaz-Andreu, 2017). Factors that influence the contributions of people to heritage management, as identified by research (Oladeji et al, 2022), include a sense of belonging, a link to the past, community unity, adherence to societal norms, an interest in cultural activities, and knowledge of the significance of heritage.…”

Analysis of Human Resources Capacity for Cultural Heritage Managers in Bengkulu City

“…The laws and regulations are of the Bengkulu city government's commitment to implementing Law Number 11 of 2010 concerning Cultural Heritage; Bengkulu City has the potential for cultural heritage. This cultural heritage will impact the community's welfare if it is appropriately managed (Carra , 2021;Hidalgo-Sa nchez et al, 2022;Oladeji et al, 2022;Medda & Lipparini, 2021). However, the resource allocation strategy has not been carried out properly, for example, the limited human resources as managers of cultural heritage.…”