Awareness and Accessibility of Environmental Information in Nigeria: Evidence from Delta State

Environmental awareness is a pre-condition for environment-friendly behaviour and sustainable environment; proper awareness of environment related issues is therefore pertinent. This study examined awareness and accessibility of environmental information in Nigeria with specific reference to Warri Central Local Government Area of Delta state. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire from 140 respondents using the simple random sampling technique and analyzed with descriptive statistics. The results showed that many of the respondents are aware that soil erosion, oil spillage and pipeline vandalization are sources of environmental problems but they are not aware of the ecological impact of domestic activities like cooking with firewood and charcoal. Radio and television were the most available andmost accessible sources of environmental information while the library and the internet were the least. Major environmental information required by respondents included information on waste management and health. The paper recommended adequate funding and monitoring of environmental programs and policies, incorporation of environmental education into the school curriculum, provision and finding of public and school libraries and presentation of environmental information, particularly those related to global ecological changes in the local languages through the mass media