THE FAMILY AS AGENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The environmental crisis remains unabated in most parts of the worldincluding Nigeria. In Nigeria, the environmental crisis manifests itself in ecological problems such as desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, mismanagement of solid and chemical waste, gas flaring, land and marine pollution, unplanned urbanization, and so forth. Amid the environmental problems, every social agent has a role to play in abating the problems. One social agent whose role is often ignored and not mainstream is the family. This paper argues that the role of the family should be highlighted and the family should engage in environmental communication in promoting healthy environmental values. A critical hermeneutical method is used to interpret the concepts, while an analysis is used to discuss the issues involved in the work. The paper finds that the role of the family as an environmental communicator is sidelined. It concludes that this role should be highlighted to enhance environmental protection in Nigeria.