Knowledge, attitudes and practice of Bahir Dar University undergraduate students towards environmental issues

Abstract

Nowadays environmental problems have become issues of great concern to many parties. However, many people in Ethiopia seem to have low level of environmental knowledge. This study examined environmental awareness and attitudes of Bahir Dar University students. Data were collected from 523 respondents using 67 self-report questions, which evaluate respondents’ knowledge, attitudes and practice relating to global and local environmental problems. Descriptive statistics was used to assess students’ knowledge and attitudes. The results indicated that respondents have low levels of environmental knowledge, but environmental-friendly attitudes and willingness to commit to environment-friendly practices. No statistically significant difference was found between females and males towards environmental attitudes. To raise environmental knowledge of students, investigating the issue at further depth and revising environmental education curriculum and the methods of delivery are necessary.

Keywords: Bahir Dar, environmental attitudes, environmental issues, environmental knowledge, environmental practice