Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
Understanding land use and land cover changes and their underlying dynamics is critical to land r... more Understanding land use and land cover changes and their underlying dynamics is critical to land reclamation and biodiversity management in mining enclaves and deceleration of desertification in the vast Zamfara Sahel of Northwestern Nigeria. This paper presents a quantitative analysis of land cover changes in the gold mining enclaves of Anka, Bukkuyum and Maru Local Government Areas in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Data were aggregated from field trips, remote sensing and geographical information system technologies and archives. Data and satellite images from three time periods of 1987, 2002 and 2020 were used for the analysis. The images were captured on yearly degradation rates of LULC classes within 100m, 200m and 300m of protected areas. Five LULC classes were identified and twenty-five transition classes were mapped out using GIS technology. Analysis shows bare ground/ built-up/rock outcrop LULC class expanded as mining activities had deleterious impacts on the land cover of the enc...
African journal of hospitality, tourism and leisure, Aug 31, 2021
<jats:p>Social demographic characteristics are critical factors that bolster visitation pat... more <jats:p>Social demographic characteristics are critical factors that bolster visitation pattern in relation to choice of destination and increase marketability in today's hospitality industry. This is a serious consideration for undertaken this study on the influence of demographic factors on visitation pattern among tourists to selected ecolodges in Cross River State Nigeria. The survey was conducted in Cross River National Park and Obudu Mountain Resorts between December 2019 and November 2020. Convenience sampling technique was adopted to administer 635 structured questionnaires at both locations. The findings revealed information on social demographic characteristics of the respondents and visitation pattern to the selected destinations. Regression result indicated that income and age are significant socio-demographic variables predicted variation in customers' visitation pattern. Designing of marketing strategies for ecolodge products/services based on the available information on social demographic factors of the visitors were canvassed for policy implementation.</jats:p>
Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management, 2014
This paper investigates indigenous communities' attitudes towards sustainable ecotourism developm... more This paper investigates indigenous communities' attitudes towards sustainable ecotourism development in Olumirin Waterfall Southwestern Nigeria. A field survey via structured questionnaire was conducted on 150 village respondents living in the vicinity of Olumirin waterfall of which fifty questionnaires were randomly distributed to each of the three communities that were purposively selected. This is also complemented by observation during field survey. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result showed that awareness and knowledge of ecotourism was high in the communities. Majority (94%) of the sampled population have positive attitude towards ecotourism activities in Olumirin waterfall, exhibit great appreciation of the existence of the waterfall and are interested in the continuity of the site as ecotourism attraction. Negative attitude have a minority perspective as tourists activities was not devoid of problems such as pollution, overcrowding and cultural diffusion. Gender (χ 2 =14.11, p<0.05), Education ((χ 2 =32.87, p<0.05), and occupation ((χ 2 =64.4, p<0.05), were significantly related to respondents perception of ecotourism development in Olumirin waterfall. Responses for positive attitude are larger as compared to the negative attitudes in the study site because the contribution of ecotourism activities towards economic enhancement of the rural people is high. However, effective regulation and proper planning is essential in order to enhance the sustainability of ecotourism in Olumirin waterfall while local people's active involvement at different level of ecotourism development is vital in ensuring its success.
The extent to which the mitigation strategies in Cross River National Park (CRNP) Nigeria were ab... more The extent to which the mitigation strategies in Cross River National Park (CRNP) Nigeria were able to curb anthropogenic activities was evaluated. Being one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and biodiversity hotspot, various illegal activities are rampant in the two divisions of the park that without conservation measures, the forest resources would get to the state of being obliterated. Data were obtained through field observation, questionnaire administration to 125 park staff and review of record from the litigation unit. Descriptive and inferential statistics (percentages, weighted means and t-test) were used for data analysis. Findings show that spent cartridges, capolobia extraction, wire trap, gunshot, hunter and fishing camp were indicators of illegal activities within the park. Logging (39.2%), hunting (28.0%) and farming (12.8%) were the most common threats. Among the mitigation measures in use in CRNP, antipoaching patrol was ranked as the most effective (WM = 32.80) while ...
Cross River National Park (CRNP) is a naturally endowed “biodiversity hotspot” with diverse resou... more Cross River National Park (CRNP) is a naturally endowed “biodiversity hotspot” with diverse resources ranging from picturesque topography, rivers, fauna and flora. However, the rate of illegal activities in the park is posing serious threats to these resources. This study investigated different forms of threats facing biodiversity conservation in the park between 1991 and 2012. The study revealed that logging, fishing/water poisoning, illegal entry and collection of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) were the common forms of threats in the park. Logging was ranked as the major threat to biodiversity conservation in the park by 42.05% of the respondents, while illegal entry posed the least threat (2.27%). Management constraints identified as threats to biodiversity conservation were inadequate funding, inadequate patrol equipment, unmotivated staff (poor salary) and inadequate support from communities bordering the park. The highest arrest of poachers (79) was recorded in 2008. Implic...
Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, 2019
Support Zone Communities (SZCs) involvements in Cross River National Park (CRNP) biodiversity con... more Support Zone Communities (SZCs) involvements in Cross River National Park (CRNP) biodiversity conservation were assessed in this study. Eleven communities at 0-12km distance to the park were selected for data collection. Structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion were used to solicit information from community members. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi- square and correlation. Result showed that willingness to contribute to effective conservation of wildlife was high (84.4%), contributions in the forms of non-involvement in poaching (62.0%) was highest. Communities awareness of biodiversity conservation and their level of involvement in mitigating threats to biodiversity were significantly related (χ²=12.69). Also, there was significant association between educational status (r =- 0.11, p<0.05) and communities participation in threat mitigation. However, poor sensitization/mobilization (Weighted Mean=108.93) and bureaucracy (WM=106.47) were t...
Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, 2016
Zoo visits represent a unique opportunity for large numbers of people to be engaged on wildlife c... more Zoo visits represent a unique opportunity for large numbers of people to be engaged on wildlife conservation issues and given opportunity to support it. The University of Ibadan Zoo is one of the major sites with animals of high intrinsic value and attractions to tourists and other visitors. Copies of structured questionnaire were administered to 165 visitors to the zoo to elicit information on their socio-demography in relation to their paying characteristics, their willingness to pay (WTP) for the services offered by the Zoo, and the factors influencing their WTP. The Result showed that majority (51.5%) of the visitors were males and 48.5% were females. 61% of the visitors had repeated visits while 39% were first time visitors. Although, 76% of them were often willing to pay for captive wildlife tourism in the Zoo, 52% of the visitors were not satisfied with the current charges by the Zoo. Income, marital status and place of residence of the visitors were significantly related to ...
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 2018
The motivation and willingness to pay for ecotourism and wildlife conservation at the University ... more The motivation and willingness to pay for ecotourism and wildlife conservation at the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University Zoos in Southwest Nigeria were investigated. Structured Questionnaire was used to elicit information from two hundred and forty (240) visitor and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential (Chi-Square, Correlation) statistics. Findings from this study show that 50.4% of the visitors were female, 37.9% and 37.1% were within the age range of 15-24 years and 25-54 years respectively, 46.7% were married, and 43.3% attained to tertiary level of education. Furthermore, 66.2% of the visitors were employed with 39.6% earning ₦ 81, 000 (265.57 USD) and above as their monthly income. The main motivations of the zoo visitors are to see the condition of habitat and diversity of wildlife at the zoos, proximity to their residence and viewing wild animals. The starting bid for visitors to the zoos shows their willingness to pay for conservation service...
Ecotourism is a non-consumptive utilization of natural resources through which countries harness ... more Ecotourism is a non-consumptive utilization of natural resources through which countries harness economic benefits. It potential benefits for conservation needs the support of host communities to be successful. Perspectives on ecotourism in the support zone communities of Cross River National Park (CRNP) were assessed in this study. A total of 602 households’ representatives were sampled in the Oban and Okwangwo divisions of CRNP, using systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square, student ttest, and correlation analysis). Results revealed that majority of the households’ representative were male (92.5%), married (83.7%) and engaged in farming as primary occupation (78.0%) while 40.0% had no formal education. Sixty eight percent of the respondents are aware of ecotourism activities, 54.0% participated in ecotourism and 91.4% had positive perception of ecotourism potential of the park. Awareness of ecotourism activities was no...
Ecotourism is a non-consumptive utilization of natural resources through which countries harness ... more Ecotourism is a non-consumptive utilization of natural resources through which countries harness economic benefits. It potential benefits for conservation needs the support of host communities to be successful. Perspectives on ecotourism in the support zone communities of Cross River National Park (CRNP) were assessed in this study. A total of 602 households’ representatives were sampled in the Oban and Okwangwo divisions of CRNP, using systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square, student ttest, and correlation analysis). Results revealed that majority of the households’ representative were male (92.5%), married (83.7%) and engaged in farming as primary occupation (78.0%) while 40.0% had no formal education. Sixty eight percent of the respondents are aware of ecotourism activities, 54.0% participated in ecotourism and 91.4% had positive perception of ecotourism potential of the park. Awareness of ecotourism activities was no...
Idanre hills has gain a lot of attention from government, researchers and volunteer groups since ... more Idanre hills has gain a lot of attention from government, researchers and volunteer groups since it was enlisted on the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists' satisfaction with the destination will not only affect their willingness to revisit but also the reputation of the destination. The study examined tourist satisfaction with their experience at Idanre Hills with the aim of determining their potential revisit and to make recommendations on strategies to enhance the destination's competitive positioning. Administration of 250 questionnaires to tourists between December 2012 and May 2013 was used for data collection. Tourists' satisfaction was measured using 4-point Likert scale format and Pearson's Chi-square was used to test for the association between demographic characteristics and overall satisfaction with the study site. The result showed that 64.50% of the tourists sampled were between the ages of 20-40 years, with 57.40% students. It wa...
The impacts of ecotourism in Cross River National Park (CRNP) on its Support Zone Communities (SZ... more The impacts of ecotourism in Cross River National Park (CRNP) on its Support Zone Communities (SZC) were assessed in this study. Multistage random sampling procedure was used to select 20% of the 105 Support Zone Communities in Oban and Okwango Divisions of CRNP. Twenty percent of households in each of the selected communities (a total of 602) were sampled in the two divisions using systematic random sampling. Findings showed that a significant number (60%) of the respondents had positive perception of ecotourism impact amongst which are enhancement of conservation education, increased tourist visitation and realization of tourism income earning activities whiles few (40%) of them had negative perception such as forest resources deprivation and farmland deprivation. The Cross River National Park through its Support Zone Community Programme extended some projects and services to the support zone villages and a total of N100, 336,050 was allotted for infrastructural development (71.9%...
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
Understanding land use and land cover changes and their underlying dynamics is critical to land r... more Understanding land use and land cover changes and their underlying dynamics is critical to land reclamation and biodiversity management in mining enclaves and deceleration of desertification in the vast Zamfara Sahel of Northwestern Nigeria. This paper presents a quantitative analysis of land cover changes in the gold mining enclaves of Anka, Bukkuyum and Maru Local Government Areas in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Data were aggregated from field trips, remote sensing and geographical information system technologies and archives. Data and satellite images from three time periods of 1987, 2002 and 2020 were used for the analysis. The images were captured on yearly degradation rates of LULC classes within 100m, 200m and 300m of protected areas. Five LULC classes were identified and twenty-five transition classes were mapped out using GIS technology. Analysis shows bare ground/ built-up/rock outcrop LULC class expanded as mining activities had deleterious impacts on the land cover of the enc...
African journal of hospitality, tourism and leisure, Aug 31, 2021
<jats:p>Social demographic characteristics are critical factors that bolster visitation pat... more <jats:p>Social demographic characteristics are critical factors that bolster visitation pattern in relation to choice of destination and increase marketability in today's hospitality industry. This is a serious consideration for undertaken this study on the influence of demographic factors on visitation pattern among tourists to selected ecolodges in Cross River State Nigeria. The survey was conducted in Cross River National Park and Obudu Mountain Resorts between December 2019 and November 2020. Convenience sampling technique was adopted to administer 635 structured questionnaires at both locations. The findings revealed information on social demographic characteristics of the respondents and visitation pattern to the selected destinations. Regression result indicated that income and age are significant socio-demographic variables predicted variation in customers' visitation pattern. Designing of marketing strategies for ecolodge products/services based on the available information on social demographic factors of the visitors were canvassed for policy implementation.</jats:p>
Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management, 2014
This paper investigates indigenous communities' attitudes towards sustainable ecotourism developm... more This paper investigates indigenous communities' attitudes towards sustainable ecotourism development in Olumirin Waterfall Southwestern Nigeria. A field survey via structured questionnaire was conducted on 150 village respondents living in the vicinity of Olumirin waterfall of which fifty questionnaires were randomly distributed to each of the three communities that were purposively selected. This is also complemented by observation during field survey. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result showed that awareness and knowledge of ecotourism was high in the communities. Majority (94%) of the sampled population have positive attitude towards ecotourism activities in Olumirin waterfall, exhibit great appreciation of the existence of the waterfall and are interested in the continuity of the site as ecotourism attraction. Negative attitude have a minority perspective as tourists activities was not devoid of problems such as pollution, overcrowding and cultural diffusion. Gender (χ 2 =14.11, p<0.05), Education ((χ 2 =32.87, p<0.05), and occupation ((χ 2 =64.4, p<0.05), were significantly related to respondents perception of ecotourism development in Olumirin waterfall. Responses for positive attitude are larger as compared to the negative attitudes in the study site because the contribution of ecotourism activities towards economic enhancement of the rural people is high. However, effective regulation and proper planning is essential in order to enhance the sustainability of ecotourism in Olumirin waterfall while local people's active involvement at different level of ecotourism development is vital in ensuring its success.
The extent to which the mitigation strategies in Cross River National Park (CRNP) Nigeria were ab... more The extent to which the mitigation strategies in Cross River National Park (CRNP) Nigeria were able to curb anthropogenic activities was evaluated. Being one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and biodiversity hotspot, various illegal activities are rampant in the two divisions of the park that without conservation measures, the forest resources would get to the state of being obliterated. Data were obtained through field observation, questionnaire administration to 125 park staff and review of record from the litigation unit. Descriptive and inferential statistics (percentages, weighted means and t-test) were used for data analysis. Findings show that spent cartridges, capolobia extraction, wire trap, gunshot, hunter and fishing camp were indicators of illegal activities within the park. Logging (39.2%), hunting (28.0%) and farming (12.8%) were the most common threats. Among the mitigation measures in use in CRNP, antipoaching patrol was ranked as the most effective (WM = 32.80) while ...
Cross River National Park (CRNP) is a naturally endowed “biodiversity hotspot” with diverse resou... more Cross River National Park (CRNP) is a naturally endowed “biodiversity hotspot” with diverse resources ranging from picturesque topography, rivers, fauna and flora. However, the rate of illegal activities in the park is posing serious threats to these resources. This study investigated different forms of threats facing biodiversity conservation in the park between 1991 and 2012. The study revealed that logging, fishing/water poisoning, illegal entry and collection of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) were the common forms of threats in the park. Logging was ranked as the major threat to biodiversity conservation in the park by 42.05% of the respondents, while illegal entry posed the least threat (2.27%). Management constraints identified as threats to biodiversity conservation were inadequate funding, inadequate patrol equipment, unmotivated staff (poor salary) and inadequate support from communities bordering the park. The highest arrest of poachers (79) was recorded in 2008. Implic...
Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, 2019
Support Zone Communities (SZCs) involvements in Cross River National Park (CRNP) biodiversity con... more Support Zone Communities (SZCs) involvements in Cross River National Park (CRNP) biodiversity conservation were assessed in this study. Eleven communities at 0-12km distance to the park were selected for data collection. Structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion were used to solicit information from community members. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi- square and correlation. Result showed that willingness to contribute to effective conservation of wildlife was high (84.4%), contributions in the forms of non-involvement in poaching (62.0%) was highest. Communities awareness of biodiversity conservation and their level of involvement in mitigating threats to biodiversity were significantly related (χ²=12.69). Also, there was significant association between educational status (r =- 0.11, p<0.05) and communities participation in threat mitigation. However, poor sensitization/mobilization (Weighted Mean=108.93) and bureaucracy (WM=106.47) were t...
Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, 2016
Zoo visits represent a unique opportunity for large numbers of people to be engaged on wildlife c... more Zoo visits represent a unique opportunity for large numbers of people to be engaged on wildlife conservation issues and given opportunity to support it. The University of Ibadan Zoo is one of the major sites with animals of high intrinsic value and attractions to tourists and other visitors. Copies of structured questionnaire were administered to 165 visitors to the zoo to elicit information on their socio-demography in relation to their paying characteristics, their willingness to pay (WTP) for the services offered by the Zoo, and the factors influencing their WTP. The Result showed that majority (51.5%) of the visitors were males and 48.5% were females. 61% of the visitors had repeated visits while 39% were first time visitors. Although, 76% of them were often willing to pay for captive wildlife tourism in the Zoo, 52% of the visitors were not satisfied with the current charges by the Zoo. Income, marital status and place of residence of the visitors were significantly related to ...
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 2018
The motivation and willingness to pay for ecotourism and wildlife conservation at the University ... more The motivation and willingness to pay for ecotourism and wildlife conservation at the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University Zoos in Southwest Nigeria were investigated. Structured Questionnaire was used to elicit information from two hundred and forty (240) visitor and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential (Chi-Square, Correlation) statistics. Findings from this study show that 50.4% of the visitors were female, 37.9% and 37.1% were within the age range of 15-24 years and 25-54 years respectively, 46.7% were married, and 43.3% attained to tertiary level of education. Furthermore, 66.2% of the visitors were employed with 39.6% earning ₦ 81, 000 (265.57 USD) and above as their monthly income. The main motivations of the zoo visitors are to see the condition of habitat and diversity of wildlife at the zoos, proximity to their residence and viewing wild animals. The starting bid for visitors to the zoos shows their willingness to pay for conservation service...
Ecotourism is a non-consumptive utilization of natural resources through which countries harness ... more Ecotourism is a non-consumptive utilization of natural resources through which countries harness economic benefits. It potential benefits for conservation needs the support of host communities to be successful. Perspectives on ecotourism in the support zone communities of Cross River National Park (CRNP) were assessed in this study. A total of 602 households’ representatives were sampled in the Oban and Okwangwo divisions of CRNP, using systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square, student ttest, and correlation analysis). Results revealed that majority of the households’ representative were male (92.5%), married (83.7%) and engaged in farming as primary occupation (78.0%) while 40.0% had no formal education. Sixty eight percent of the respondents are aware of ecotourism activities, 54.0% participated in ecotourism and 91.4% had positive perception of ecotourism potential of the park. Awareness of ecotourism activities was no...
Ecotourism is a non-consumptive utilization of natural resources through which countries harness ... more Ecotourism is a non-consumptive utilization of natural resources through which countries harness economic benefits. It potential benefits for conservation needs the support of host communities to be successful. Perspectives on ecotourism in the support zone communities of Cross River National Park (CRNP) were assessed in this study. A total of 602 households’ representatives were sampled in the Oban and Okwangwo divisions of CRNP, using systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square, student ttest, and correlation analysis). Results revealed that majority of the households’ representative were male (92.5%), married (83.7%) and engaged in farming as primary occupation (78.0%) while 40.0% had no formal education. Sixty eight percent of the respondents are aware of ecotourism activities, 54.0% participated in ecotourism and 91.4% had positive perception of ecotourism potential of the park. Awareness of ecotourism activities was no...
Idanre hills has gain a lot of attention from government, researchers and volunteer groups since ... more Idanre hills has gain a lot of attention from government, researchers and volunteer groups since it was enlisted on the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists' satisfaction with the destination will not only affect their willingness to revisit but also the reputation of the destination. The study examined tourist satisfaction with their experience at Idanre Hills with the aim of determining their potential revisit and to make recommendations on strategies to enhance the destination's competitive positioning. Administration of 250 questionnaires to tourists between December 2012 and May 2013 was used for data collection. Tourists' satisfaction was measured using 4-point Likert scale format and Pearson's Chi-square was used to test for the association between demographic characteristics and overall satisfaction with the study site. The result showed that 64.50% of the tourists sampled were between the ages of 20-40 years, with 57.40% students. It wa...
The impacts of ecotourism in Cross River National Park (CRNP) on its Support Zone Communities (SZ... more The impacts of ecotourism in Cross River National Park (CRNP) on its Support Zone Communities (SZC) were assessed in this study. Multistage random sampling procedure was used to select 20% of the 105 Support Zone Communities in Oban and Okwango Divisions of CRNP. Twenty percent of households in each of the selected communities (a total of 602) were sampled in the two divisions using systematic random sampling. Findings showed that a significant number (60%) of the respondents had positive perception of ecotourism impact amongst which are enhancement of conservation education, increased tourist visitation and realization of tourism income earning activities whiles few (40%) of them had negative perception such as forest resources deprivation and farmland deprivation. The Cross River National Park through its Support Zone Community Programme extended some projects and services to the support zone villages and a total of N100, 336,050 was allotted for infrastructural development (71.9%...
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