Transformation of Kalale and Boziya as Viable Tourism Destinations for Social and Economic Development in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is endowed with tremendous and unimaginable human and natural resources. Since its rise to nationhood, agriculture was the major driver of its economy. The discovery of crude oil at Oloibiri in the Niger Delta in 1956 and with the production of 5,100 Barrels per day, crude oil receipts replaced agriculture as the major source of revenue for the government. The country depended solely on oil which has made its economy vulnerable to external shocks, resulting from price variations in the global oil market. This situation has affected the performance of its budgetary spending and poor handling of economic diversification drives. It is against this background that this paper intends to explore the potentials of a neglected industry like the tourist sector, using Kalale and Boziya as viable tourism destinations for social and economic developments in Zamfara State and Nigeria at large. The paper initiated strategies for the improvements of these identified tourism locations for recreational benefits, income generation and the development of critical infrastructures among others in Kalale and Boziya. The methodologies adopted in the collation of data were oral interviews, fieldworks, observation, and use of relevant documentaries. Multidisciplinary approach, historical and archaeological surveys were also applied and undertaken. The findings revealed that Kalale and Boziya have the potentials for tourist attractions that will usher in a significant inflow of foreign reserve that will further boost the economy of Zamfara State and Nigeria, besides the capacity of the industry in employment generation, alleviation of poverty and social cohesion among several other advantages.