UNIVERSITY OF UYO JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES

This study estimated the sensitivity index of the early-stage undergraduate students of Agriculture, to ascertain their variations in sensitivity to urban forestry (SUF) based on socio-economic and academic background characteristics. Using Expo-facto design and purposive sampling procedure, 209 students that offered FOR 211 – Principles of Forestry, were studied. A 4-point Likert structured questionnaire was used to collect a multi-item data on perceived value, environmental consciousness and levels of patronage. Cronbach values (? 0.714 ? 0.823) were obtained for measured variables. Composite index (CI), T–test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were employed to spring the proportional levels of a measurable attribute of the environmental sensitivity index. Index level of SUF showed four categories: virtually insensitive (1%), low (4.8%), high (30.1%) and excellent (64.1%). Female students had greater sensitivity mean index (0.7926) than male (0.7796). On academic background, post-remedial students exhibited more sensitivity (0.7917) than others. There existed no significant differences in the students' SUF based on gender, residency, age, department of study and mode of admission. Study concluded that students were more robust in their SUF on exposure to FOR 211. It recommended introduction of environment-based course as one of the obligatory courses across all faculties in the University.

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