Sociological Variables And Environmental Sustainability In Ikom Education Zone Of Cross River State.

The purpose of this study was to investigate sociological variables as correlates of environmental sustainability among residents of Ikom Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study five research questions and five null hypotheses were formulated to guide Literature was reviewed in accordance with the variables of the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all adult residents of ikom Education Zone. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted to select the six local government areas, simple random sampling technique was adopted to select the forty seven communities while systematic sampling technique was employed to select the three hundred and forty respondents used for the study. A structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. It was validated by relevant lecturers. The reliability estimate of the instruments was established through Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient. The reliability coefficient ranges from 0.71 to 0.91 which was high. Descriptive statistic was utilized to answer the research questions rised in the study. Regression analysis, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Independent t-test analysis were the statistical techniques employed to test the hypotheses under study. Each hypothesis was tested at .05 level of significance. The results of the analysis revealed that, cultural practices, gender, consumption behaviour, income level and people perception of environment significantly influenced environmental sustainability in Ikom Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that Environmental educators should continue to sensitize community leaders and members on the need to promote friendly cultural practices and discourage practices that are detrimental to environmental sustainability in the study area.