Assessment of Interpretive Facilities and the Delivery of Interpretive Services in Nigeria National Parks

Abstract

Assessment of interpretive facilities and the delivery of interpretive services in Chad Basin National Park (CBNP), Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), Okomu National Park (OKNP), and Yankari National Park (YNP) were conducted. The parks were selected to represent the major ecological zones where National Parks are located in Nigeria. There methods of data collection were utilized in this study. The first was the use of interview guide adapted from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (1999) to obtain information from the management of the four national parks; the second was on-site assessment of interpretive facilities and services available in the parks. Finally, data were obtained through questionnaire from the visitors to the parks on the interpretive facilities and services provided to Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics. The results indicated the presence of interpretive brochures and leaflets, interpretive signs, park publications, museum/interpretive exhibits, interpretive talks, school group activities, children activities, guided tours, video, visitor centre and audio/video viewing at visitor centre in these parks. None of these Parks provided internet site, night walks, self-guided activities and trailside exhibits. The study also showed that between 2.7% and 6.3% of the total number of full-time staff in these parks were available for the delivery of interpretive services. Also, between N100,000 and N1,000,000 were budgeted annually for interpretive services out of between N5,000,000 and N100,000,000 annual operating budget for the parks.

Key Words: Interpretive facilities, interpretive services, delivery, visitors, Nigeria National Park.