POTENTIALS OF ECOTOURISM TO NATURE CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF LIVELIHOOD OF PEOPLE AROUND AYIKUNNUGBA WATER FALLS, OKE-ILA ORANGUN, NIGERIA
Ajani, F.1 , Ayodele, I.A.1, and Filade,O.A.1
1Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Tourism has direct, indirect and induced impacts on economic development and the industry is one of the most crucial tradable sectors in the world. The study was therefore carried out to assess the potentials of ecotourism to nature conservation and its contributions to the improvement of the livelihood of Oke- Ila Orangun community.
One hundred and fifty residents were chosen by stratified random sampling as respondents. Respondents awareness of ecotourism was assessed using an 8-point scale while respondents acceptance of ecotourism was assessed using a 14-point scale. Contributions to improvement of livelihood of residents and perceived constraints identified by residents to the development of the water fall and socio-economic variables among others were also obtained. Also, in-depth interview was conducted with the king of Ayikunnugba. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count, mean and percentages. Correlation analysis was used to determine whether or not a relationship exists between two variables at 0.05 level of significance.
Perception of respondents based on the awareness of ecotourism and contributions to livelihood development was high (78.3%). A significant relationship exists between acceptance of ecotourism and its contributions to peoples’ livelihood. Also, relationship between constraints encountered by respondents and its contributions to peoples livelihood is highly significant(r =0.546; P =0.00). Majority (71.3%) of the respondents believed that the development of the area will not lead to environmental pollution. Public- Private- Partnership (PPP) is therefore recommended so as to enable the recreation site to meet international standard in terms of development and management.
Keywords: Ayikunnugba water fall, ecotourism constraints, nature conservation, awareness
Introduction
The phenomenon to tourism is less than a century (apart from religious pilgrimage) but it has become one of man’s most highly developed industries. It is a major revenue earner in many countries e.g. Kenya, South Africa. It is second only to oil in international trade and it is increasingly providing a large number of developing countries with important source of income [FaladeObalade and Dubey, 2014]. In fact, the tourism industry is one of the main sectors of the World’s economy, accounting nearly 11 % of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Nigeria is solely dependent on her petroleum resource for revenue, thus need to find alternatives to pull Nigeria from its economic problems; tourism is one of such alternatives [Ajani and Kalu, 2017]. The subject of tourism in Nigeria is believed by some that it helps in alleviating the problem of conservation and development, that it is capable of yielding sustainable local earning and yield needed foreign exchange. Tourism in Nigeria is still in its developing stage when we consider the abundance of natural resources that are yet to be explored, and the institutional structure which is yet to be regulated to compete favourably with other fast growing tourism destinations.
Ecotourism in recent times is increasingly utilized for its multipurpose of economic development (poverty reduction), livelihood diversification, sustainable natural resource management and local governance (Ondicho, 2018). It helps to protect and enhance the natural resources that most of the world’s poor look for their livelihoods (Natsios, 2006) mainly for farming, grazing and fuel.
Ecotourism is capable of generating benefits to local communities and the public at large. As a new conservation approach, it is supposed to actively entertain the socioeconomic parameters while conserving and developing the biophysical entities of nature.
Local communities participating in different ecotourism activities ensure an employment opportunity which is viewed as an important element for environmental conservation. Provision of benefits to communities adjacent to protected areas through ecotourism is an important environmental conservation tool. Tourism in natural areas often places considerable stress on the environment, such as erosion, noise and air pollution (Okech, 2009).
Òkè-Ìlá Òràngún is notable for the adventurous and breathtaking Ayikunugba Waterfalls (also spelt Ayikunnugba Waterfalls) situated in a cliffed gorge, and its associated caves with "mythical" underground passages. The Ayikunugba (or Ayikunnugba) Waterfalls is located southwest of the town, along the north trending ridge-and-gorge series of the Oke-Ila Ridge complex.
Unlike the Olumirin Waterfalls (Erin-Ijesha) that tourists climb, people descend Ayikunnugba to view its landscape of mountains, caves and trees. The scenic waterfall located in Oke-Ila was discovered by a hunter who shot an animal called Kunugba but couldn't find it. The hunter searched everywhere but didn't see the animal. He discovered the waterfalls instead and named it Ayikunnugba (Where an animal Kunugba rolled and died).
Literature on tourism is rich with focus on potentials across the globe but majority of the available studies are focused on Africa and Nigeria [Ayodele, 2002; Kareen, 2002]. Few documented studies are available on assessment of the tourism potentials in Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti and some other important cities endowed with tourist sites [Ojewola 2009; Ayodele and Kayode, 2009]. These studies do not give detailed analysis of the full potentials of these tourist sites.
Ojewola [2009] worked on the tourism potentials of Oyo State, Edun [2009] surveyed the tourism potentials of Lagos State, Ogunlade [2006] assessed the ecotourism attractions of Lagos State and Abuja. The main objective of this research is to assess the potentials of ecotourism to nature conservation and its contributions to the development of Oke-Ila Orangun community and her environs in Osun state.
METHODOLOGY
Study area (Oke-Ila Orangun)
Òkè-Ìlá Òràngún (often abbreviated as Òkè-Ìlá) is an ancient city in Southwestern Nigeria that was capital of an ancient Igbomina -Yoruba city state of the same name. Òkè-Ìlá is a city in Osun State, Nigeria. Òkè-Ìlá Òràngún’s sister city (and sister kingdom) Ila Orangun is located about 7.5 miles (12 km) to the northeast, separated by the north-trending ridges and gorges of the Oke-Ila Quartzites.
Climate and Vegetation
The hot tropical climate of Oke-Ila Orangun comprises of rainy season (April to October) and dry season (November to March). The southwest wind blow during the rainy season with rainfall distribution of 1350mm-1900mm. the weather is hazy during the dry season with wind blowing North East Trade (NET) bringing harmattan. Mean temperature ranges between 26ºC and 32ºC.The region falls within the rain forest zone characterized by luxuriant vegetation cover.
Population and culture
Òkè-Ìlá Òràngún has a population estimated (2005) to be 35,000 (suspected to be an under-estimation).The people of Òkè-Ìlá Òràngún kingdom speak a distinctive dialect of the Yoruba language called Igbomina (or Ogbonna). The people are mostly agrarian but have a significant number of artisans, traders, hunters of wild game, school-teachers and other professionals.
Òkè-Ìlá Òràngún is famous for the energetic dancing and acrobatic skills of its Elewe, the region's primary Egungun, a dancing masquerade ensemble representing the ancestors during various traditional festivals. The Egungun Elewe is unique to the Igbomina Yoruba subgroup. There are other less popular but unique and peculiar Egungun in the kingdom.
Methods of data collection
Reconnaissance and direct observation: This was done to identify the facilities and infrastructures at the sites and the environs.
Administration of questionnaire: A set of one hundred and fifty copies of structured questionnaire was administered using stratified random sampling method in order to collect data from the respondents. Socio-economic variables was obtained and respondents awareness of ecotourism was assessed using an 8-point scale while respondents acceptance of ecotourism was assessed using a 14-point scale. Contributions to improvement of livelihood of residents was assessed on a 4-point Likert scale: Very large extent – VLE, Large extent – LAE, Limited extent – LIE, Not at all – NAA. Perceived constraints identified by residents to the development of the water fall and recommendations among others were obtained.
Assistance was given to people who had difficulty with reading and writing which provided more information on the benefits gained and constraints encountered.
Also, in-depth interview was conducted with the king of the community who was the key informant and chiefs of the community. This helped in highlighting important issues of interest.
Data analysis
The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count, mean and percentages. Pearson’s Product of Moment Correlation analysis was done to show the relationship between the acceptance of ecotourism and Contributions to livelihood of the residents and also between constraints encountered by respondents and tourism’s contribution to livelihood at 0.05 level of significance.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Demographic data of respondents
The results (table 1) of the demographic ratings of respondents based on sex, marital status, religion, education, age, occupation and citizenship were obtained.
Majority ( 65.9%) of respondents were male, while 34.1% were female. Respondents within the age distribution groups of 21- 30 and below 20 had the higher representations of 55% and 28.7% respectively. The singles had the highest representation of 63.6% followed by the married folks (34.1%). 80.6% are Christians while 17.8% are Muslims. Respondents, (65.9%) have tertiary education, 22.5%: secondary and elementary; 10.1%. The household size groups 4-6 and 1-3 had higher representation of 39.5% and 36.4% respectively.
The groups with high average monthly income are: <5000, 5000-10000, 11000-30000 and >40000 with a representation of 24.8%, 24%, 23.3% and 23.3% respectively. The respondents in the last two groups represent the civil servants private business owners and farmers. Most of the respondents are fully based in the area with a representation of 70%, while those that are temporary are 29.5% who are business merchants from outside the state and civil servants working in Ifedayo local government with its headquarters in Oke-Ila Orangun and living in neighboring towns. Majority of respondents were from Osun state with a representation of 95.3%, while states like Kwara, Abia, Anambra and Oyo had a representation of 1.6%, 1.6%, 0.8% and 0.8% respectively.
Table 1a): Respondents awareness of ecotourism
|
S/N |
Statements |
YES F (%) |
IND F (%) |
NO F (%) |
|
1. 1 |
Ecotourism is aimed at providing opportunity for leisure for people outside their homes |
122(94.6) |
5(3.9) |
2(1.6) |
|
2. |
Tourist attraction areas abound in Osun state |
118(91.5) |
3(2.3) |
8(6.2) |
|
3. |
I am aware of Ayikunnugba waterfalls in the community |
123(95.3) |
5(3.9) |
1(0.8) |
|
4. |
I have visited Ayikunnugba waterfalls before |
120(93.0) |
- |
9(7.0) |
|
5. |
Do you think tourism do more good than bad? |
121(93.8) |
2(1.6) |
6(4.7) |
|
6. |
Ayikunnugba waterfalls have ecotourism potentials |
123(95.3) |
4(3.1) |
2(1.6) |
|
7. |
Ecotourism can only help to conserve biodiversity |
107(82.9) |
10(7.8) |
12(9.3) |
|
8. |
Have you engage in tourism visit to any area before? |
112(86.8) |
3(2.3) |
14(10.9) |
*Figures in parentheses are percentages.
Yes –YES, Indifferent –IND, No - NO
Table 1b): Respondents’ awareness (low & high) based on their awareness of ecotourism
|
Awareness level |
F |
% |
Mean + SD |
|
Low |
28 |
21.7 |
15.3 + 1.3 |
|
High |
101 |
78.3 |
|
In table 1a, 95.3% of the respondents affirmed that Ayikunnugba waterfall have ecotourism potentials. Perception of respondents based on the awareness of ecotourism and contributions to livelihood development is high (78.3%). According to Nona (1993), almost any place in the world can become an attraction as long as it is packaged well and sold to its niche market; the people for whom the attraction is best suited. A very high percentage (82.9%) of the residents agreed that ecotourism can help to conserve biodiversity. The conservation of the waterfall was whole heartedly endorsed by most of the residents in the community.
Table 2(a): Respondents’ acceptance of ecotourism
|
S/N |
Statements |
A F (%) |
IND F (%) |
DIS F (%) |
|
1 |
The conservation of Ayikunnugba waterfalls is wholeheartedly endorsed by most of us in the community. |
120 (93.0) |
2 (1.6) |
7(5.4) |
|
2 |
We are ready to make contributions to support further developments. |
118 (91.5) |
7(5.5) |
4(3.1) |
|
3 |
The frequent movement of tourists has always created tension in the community. |
24(18.6) |
7(5.5) |
98(76) |
|
4 |
The development of the waterfalls will provide job opportunities and benefits. |
121(93.8) |
7(5.5) |
1(0.8) |
|
5 |
Conservation of the place will help project, preserve the heritage and pride of the area. |
121(93.8) |
8(6.2) |
-- |
|
6 |
The development of the area will lead to environmental pollution due to carbon emissions and pollutants. |
24(18.6) |
13(10.1) |
92(71.3) |
|
7 |
Exposure of the nature can cause insecurity in the community. |
49(38.0) |
9(7.0) |
71(55.0) |
|
8 |
Constant interaction with tourists is a valuable educational experience. |
117(90.7) |
4(3.2) |
8(6.2) |
|
9 |
Ecotourism causes imposition of tax and levies on indigenes. |
31(24.0) |
31(24.0) |
67(51.9) |
|
10 |
Ecotourism and development can lead to culture erosion or disruption of ways of life of people in the community. |
35(27.1) |
14(10.8) |
80(62.0) |
|
11 |
Tourist’s influx into the community will enhance the rapid civilization of the area. |
111(86.0) |
14(10.8) |
7(5.4) |
|
12 |
Tourism is good for the economy of the community. |
126(97.7) |
1(0.8) |
2(1.6) |
|
13 |
Ayikunnugba waterfalls deserve upgrade to world class status. |
125(96.9) |
3(2.4) |
1(0.8) |
|
14 |
The community should be heavily involved in the management of the waterfalls when fully developed. |
124(96.1) |
3(2.3) |
2(1.6) |
*Figures in parentheses are percentages
Agree –A, Indifferent –IND, Disagree - DIS
Table (2b): Respondents based on their acceptance (low & high) of ecotourism
|
Acceptance level |
F |
% |
Mean + SD |
|
Low |
43 |
33.3 |
37.6 + 5.5 |
|
High |
86 |
66.7 |
|
Residents did not see the frequent movement of tourists to create tension in the community. A significant percentage (93.8%) opined that the development of the waterfall will provide job opportunities and benefits to the community. Kru¨ger [2005] reported that benefit for the local
community is one of the most important factors in ecotourism sustainability. The goal of tourism, to a large extent should be to benefit the host community/residents. This also agrees with the opinion of de Haas [2003] that a highly desirable goal of tourism is for tourists’ expenditures to remain among local residents rather than ending up in the USA or Europe .Also, same percentage of respondents (93.8%) opined that conservation of the waterfall for ecotourism will help project, preserve the heritage and pride of the area.
A high proportion of the residents (71.3%), believed that the development of the area will not lead to environmental pollution (71.3%).
Table (3): Contributions of Ayikunnugba waterfall to livelihood improvement
|
S/N |
Contributions |
VLE F (%) |
LAE F (%) |
LIE F (%) |
NAA F (%) |
Mean |
Rank |
|
1. |
Creation of employment opportunities for employable indigenes of the area |
101(78.3) |
16(12.4) |
9(7.0) |
3(2.4) |
3.7 |
1st |
|
2. |
Attraction of support from individuals, government, non-governmental organizations to the community. |
88(68.2) |
25(19.4) |
8(6.2) |
8(6.2) |
3.5 |
3rd |
|
3. |
Boosting of commerce such as buying and selling of goods among local residents and tourists. |
98(76.0) |
17(13.2) |
12(9.3) |
2(1.6) |
3.6 |
2nd |
|
4. |
Utilization of sustainable natural /local resources. |
90(69.8) |
24(18.6) |
12(9.3) |
3(2.4) |
3.5 |
3rd |
|
5. |
Flow of funds from tourists to local entrepreneurs interested in nature conservation of the waterfalls. |
87(67.4) |
25(19.4) |
7(5.4) |
10(7.8) |
3.4 |
6th |
|
6. |
Infrastructural developments/improvements i.e. good road network, hotel/guest house construction, telecommunication etc. |
100(77.5) |
11(8.5) |
10(7.7) |
8(6.2) |
3.5 |
3rd |
*Figures in parentheses are percentages
Very large extent – VLE, Large extent – LAE, Limited extent – LIE, Not at all – NAA.
Table 4: Correlation analysis between the acceptance of ecotourism and Contributions to livelihood
|
Variables |
N |
r-value |
P-value |
Decision |
|
Acceptance of ecotourism Vs. |
129 |
0.676 |
0.000 |
Significant |
|
Contributions to livelihood |
|
|
|
|
Table 5: Respondents’ acceptance level (low & high) based on contributions to livelihood development
|
Acceptance level |
F |
% |
Mean+ SD |
|
Low |
32 |
24.8 |
21.3 + 4.6 |
|
High |
97 |
75.2 |
|
Table 6: Constraints identified by residents to the development of the waterfall
|
S/N |
Statement |
VS F (%) |
S F (%) |
M F (%) |
NAC F (%) |
Mean |
Rank |
|
|
Inadequate support from the government |
95(73.6) |
18(14.0) |
8(6.2) |
8(6.2) |
3.6. |
1st |
|
2 |
Poor road network to the conservation area |
101(78.3) |
18(14.0) |
- |
10(7.8) |
3.6 |
1st |
|
1) |
Low level of accommodation availability |
84(65.1) |
28(21.7) |
7(5.4) |
10(7.8) |
3.4 |
4th |
|
2) 4 |
Low level of guidance |
81(62.8) |
23(17.8) |
11(8.5) |
13(10.8) |
3.3 |
6th |
|
3) |
Poor transport facilities |
92(71.3) |
14(10.9) |
13(10.1) |
10(7.7) |
3.4 |
4th |
|
4) |
Safety and security challenges |
79(61.2) |
15(11.6) |
19(14.7) |
16(12.4) |
3.2 |
7th |
|
5) |
Poor state of basic facilities i.e. electricity, good clean water, health care centers |
96(74.4) |
14(10.9) |
9(7.0) |
10 (7.8) |
3.5 |
3rd |
*Figures in parentheses are percentages
Very severe – (VS), Severe– (S), Mild – (M), Not a constraint – (NAC)
Table 7: Correlation analysis between constraints encountered by respondents and tourism’s contribution to livelihood
|
Variables |
N |
r-value |
P-value |
Decision |
|
Constraints encountered Vs. |
129 |
0.546 |
0.000 |
Significant |
|
Contributions to livelihood |
|
|
|
|
These constraints (table 6) serves as factors that discourage more people visiting the place, most especially bad road network, thereby having the tendency for it not to be recognized globally. Arowosafe [2013] raised a point that destinations which can be reached by efficient transport systems are the ones which receives the maximum number of tourists. Transport, is therefore one of the major components of tourism, since a tourist who need to get to his destination, has to travel. The tourist industry illustrates the primary need for basic infrastructures and social amenities which include good roads, schools, hospitals, electricity, portable water, drainage systems among others. All these are of benefits to the tourists as well as the local population. When tourism is developed in a region, the local infrastructure is enhanced to meet the need of the development in that region. The local community would enjoy their lives significantly through improved infrastructure according to Zaei and Zaei, [2013] and Cooper et al., [2008]. The key informant interviewed corroborated it that the government has performed below expectation concerning the waterfall. This statement goes contrary to the present level of development, as most respondents (89.9%) asserted that they are not satisfied, and they showed their displeasure with the government in terms of provision of basic infrastructures like good road (tarred), hotel and guest house for tourists that may want to stay more than a day or two, and the establishment of tourist facilities and infrastructure in the rural area is a cost-effective way of meeting national development objectives [Zhang, 2015; Simoni and Mihai, 2012; Leonard and Carson, 1997]. It may renew local architectural qualities and facilitate the revival of traditional arts, crafts and culture. It is a major source of employment and income in many rural areas [Irshad, 2010; David, 1995].
The state government’s failure to invest in tourism infrastructure is a way of shortchanging itself. While tourism has economic, psychological and environmental impacts, it is seen by many developed countries as offering an opportunity to earn foreign currency, create local employment, increase local income and improve domestic services [Aziz et al., 2018]. Gunn [1998] opined that satisfaction and dream are significant experience generating components of tourism. He also noted further that food, accommodation, as well as personnel are some of the key ingredients to successful tourism experience. For this waterfall to operate at optimum level and be among the choicest tourist attractions in Nigeria, these infrastructures are luxuries that must be in place.
According to interview that was conducted with the king of the community about his view on the potentials, the present state, challenges faced towards the development of the waterfall and their expectations in terms of its development and as source of livelihood and heritage preservation. He expressed the fact that the government will be better off in tapping into the potentials of the waterfall in that when it is well developed, it will serve as a source of revenue to government and the community, as people that are gainfully employed will pay taxes apart from fees that will be charged at the entrance and taxes to be paid by established guest houses around the area.
The king also pointed out that efforts were made in the past by the late king before him to encourage the government to come in but there was no response, he mentioned the enthusiasm and interest showed by the members of the community when he ordered the clearing and construction of steps that leads to waterfall with his personal donation.
The expectation of the king in terms of development is that state government or Nigeria tourism board will come in to invest in infrastructures that will enhance the influx of tourist to the area, which will direct positive effect on livelihood improvement of the people and help showcase and preserve the cultural heritage of the community.
Conclusion
Ayikunnugba waterfall owned by the Osun State government is a good ecotourism destination with scenic beauty and natural ambience where one can escape to have a relaxed period out of fast paced activities in the city.
The ecotourism potentials of Ayikunnugba waterfall, the flora and fauna resources, nature trails, scenic mountains adjacent to conservation area, ancient caves located at its base makes this place a promising tourist attraction. This holds a promise of being a good ecotourism destination if well developed, managed and its potentials effectively harnessed.
Recommendations
- The government should further develop the Ayikunnugba waterfall to meet International standard and be made sustainable by making it more eco-friendly.
- The infrastructural and social amenities such as roads to enhance accessibility, chalets, restaurants, picnic stands should be constructed through joint effort by Public Private Partnership (PPP). Private investors should be sought.
- Nigeria Tourism Development Cooperation in collaboration with Osun state government should improve on creating awareness in form of advertisement through the use of bill boards, flyers, handbills, television etc to improve on the patronage of the waterfall
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