Ikogosi Warm Spring: History, Regional Development, and Community Engagement in Natural Heritage Conservation

Abstract

The research studied community engagement in conservation and the consequent regional development of the Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The research adopted an interpretivist philosophy. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical parameters and a descriptive survey method. Findings from the research show that the exact date of the discovery of the spring is not known, although quite a large number attribute the discovery of the spring to the Baptist Mission around 1952. Findings also show that there was more community engagement in harnessing and conserving the spring when the Baptist Mission was in charge of it. The research also shows that the Ikogosi community has experienced development because of the presence of the spring. Recommendations were made to allocate a quota for the employment of people from the community in the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort; document the history of the Spring in order to preserve the knowledge for generations; and conduct a sensitization campaign to enlighten the community on the importance of conserving the spring.