Educators' Views about the Use and Protection of Natural Resources in Ethiopia: The Case of Teachers and School Administrators
Keywords:
The Case of Teachers and School AdministratorsAbstract
Resource degradation is an insidious problem threatening
life of millions in Ethiopia. It has been underlined time and agam that
education would be one of the main contributors to the campaign against
the problem of resource degradation in the country. This study was based
on the premise that the contribution education could make to the campaign
depends, among others, on the view educators have about resource use
and protection. A questionnaire was thus administered to investigate views
held by teachers and school administrators on the issue. Analysis of the
results indicates that educators duly appreciate the value of natural
resources and the seriousness of the probien of resource degradation in
Ethiopia. They have also appreciated the need to consider the interests of
the future generation in general. With regard to Ethiopia, however, as many
as half of the respondents agree to the statement that 'one should be
worried more about satisfying the needs of the present generation than
talking about preservation of resources'. Views different from those of
experts (conservationists) have been expressed In other areas of resource
use and management as well. A recommendation is made to Involve
educators in debates and discussions underlying the benefits of careful use
and management of natural resources