Comparative Relationship between Infrastructural Development and Biodiversity Loss in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between infrastructural development and biodiversity loss in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, a null hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. A review of related literature was carried out based on the variable of this study. The survey research design was considered useful for the study. The research adopted multiple sampling approaches. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 234 subjects used as sample in each ward in the Local Government Area. A fifteen-item modified four (4) points Likert scale questionnaire titled Infrastructural Development and Biodiversity Loss Questionnaire (IDBLQ) was the instrument used for data collection. To test the hypothesis formulated for the study, Pearson’s product moment correlation statistical tools was used for data analysis. The hypothesis was tested at 0.05 alpha level. The results from data analysis and hypothesis testing indicated that there is a significant relationship between infrastructural development and biodiversity loss in the study area. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that relevant authorities should ensure that infrastructural development projects are properly located in line with laid down policies and regulations in order to prevent continuous loss of biodiversity. Keyword: infrastructure, development, biodiversity loss, Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria.