Environment & Ecosystem Science (EES)

This research paper is a comparative analysis of the communal and state-controlled approaches in biodiversity conservation within Akwa Ibom State. To achieve its aim, the study utilised both primary data obtained from a structured survey and secondary data from secondary sources. For the survey, a questionnaire was prepared and administered to a total of 300 respondents within both urban and rural communities of the study area. There was also a focus group discussion of 15 individuals to enhance the quality of the primary data gotten. Descriptive statistics, deductive and inductive reasoning were used to analyse the survey responses and the data drawn from other sources. The findings revealed that while communal and state-controlled biodiversity conservation approaches were quite ideal in protecting the region’s biodiversity, it would be more beneficial and cost-effective for Akwa Ibom State to adopt and invest primarily in the communal approach of biodiversity conservation.