Level of Acceptability, General Perception and Views of Ecotourism to Local People around Okomu National Park, Nigeria

Abstract

Okomu National park in Nigeria is known for its ecotourism potentials. Although it has experienced transformation over the past years as a result of a drastic improvement in its infrastructures, however, it’s hard to justify the utilization of existing features using ecotourism as a yard stick. Hence the study was carried out to ascertain the level of acceptability and general perception and views of ecotourism to local people around Okomu National park in Nigeria. Data was obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Main source of primary data was Questionnaire survey, while Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and interviews with Key stakeholders, Service providers in charge of accommodation, Tour guides, and members of the Local authority were used for secondary data, respectively. Three (3) classes or respondents were served 300 structured questionnaires. Tourists on visitation were equally interviewed during the course of the study. Data collected subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Results showed that the communities around the park were seen to have benefitted from the park by creating employment (84.6%), donation to schools and community centres (76.9%), less global warming effect (7.7%), as well as loan schemes/incentives (15.4%), social exposure (7.7%), supply of water (231%) respectively. Challenges such as lack of understanding of park’s essence, values and goals (38.5%), lack of awareness (15.4%), illegal lumbering (53.8%), illegal hunting (38.5%), illegal habitation (38.5%), illegal farming (46.25), harvesting of non- timber produce (53.8%), as well as others were observed. Other challenges observed were: poor funding/ irregular allocation (92.3%), low staff strength (76.9%), insufficient operational vehicles (38.5%), insecurity on job (23.1%), park-community conflict (15.4%), high cost of maintaining old vehicles (23.1%), As well as lack of communication facilities (23.1%) respectively. It can be rightly concluded that the contributions of the host communities to the national park is significant. Management plan should be employed and a regular and effective awareness campaign through Television, Radio and dailies.