Perceived Effects of Waterfalls on the Livelihood Outcome of Rural Households around Waterfalls in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

A waterfall is a natural endowment that has both functional and aesthetic values. Most waterfalls are located in rural communities where residents depend on the resources of the environment for their livelihood. However, the potential of waterfalls as an agricultural resource and tourist attraction that can enhance the livelihood of rural residents has been under-researched. Using three prominent waterfalls, Olumirin, Arinta and Ayikunugba, this paper examined the perceived effects of waterfalls on the livelihood outcome of rural households in Southwest Nigeria. Three hundred and twelve (312) respondents were selected from five communities adjoining the waterfalls using simple random sampling. Questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were employed to collect data from respondents. More than half of the respondents perceived waterfalls to have little effect on economic growth, while 53.8% and 51.3% perceived that waterfalls have more effect on socio-cultural values and environmental conservation, respectively. Most (75.0%) of the respondents were food secure, while 52.6% were more vulnerable to livelihood shocks and 53.5% had low sustainable use of natural resources. Overall, 57.7% of the respondents had low livelihood outcomes. This study suggests that the environment is an important livelihood resource among rural residents, hence the perception of benefits and costs in relation to the use of the environment influences the livelihood outcomes of rural residents.