ABSTRACT
The support zone community program is designed to reduce or totally eliminate pressure on Park resources and focus attention on local people, their welfare and developmental needs. Studies have shown that people derive economic benefits in terms of income generation from the reserves in their localities, but reported inadequacy of infrastructural facilities which is necessary to the people. This study appraises the support zone community program in Yankari Game Reserve by examining the activities of the program and ascertaining its success and failures. Data was collected using focus group discussion (FGD), interview, field survey, relevant literatures and questionnaires. Descriptive statistics was used in the analysis with result presented on tables and interpreted to draw inferences. The study revealed that only few park employees had specialized training to enhance their job schedule of park protection. Most of the employees are able bodied indigenes on lower cadre like securities, cleaners, park rangers etc. To help communities build capacity in other economic activities towards reducing dependence on the YGR some basic infrastructures have been provided like access roads, water, education and health care centres etc. But these facilities are quit inadequate and some of them are malfunctioning. Farming innovations which have similar objectives have been introduced but adoption was partial due to financial constraint. The study also showed that the people are aware of the rules of conservation including ban on hunting, burning, deforestation, grazing in the reserve etc. This awareness had helped reduced illegal activities greatly. Certain benefits enjoyed at the onset of the program are not been sustained like the use of manual labour in the construction of tracks now replaced by modern machinery. Problems facing the program subsequently identified include partial compliance to conservation rules, intruders of large bands of visiting poachers, inadequate funding to finance the program etc. The study concludes by suggesting that the program has not been very effective. Recommendations made included that adequate funding be made available to implement the program.