Perceived Effects of Ecotourism on Well-Being of Rural Residents in Selected Ecotourism Sites in Plateau and Nasarawa States, Nigeria

Abstract

Restricted use of natural resources is bound to affect the well being domains of rural residents in close proximity to ecotourism sites. This has  sustainable development implications for the rural residents who depend on these resources to meet their needs . T his study investigated the  perceived effect of ecotourism on well being domains of rural residents within selected eco tourism sites in Plateau and Nasarawa States, Nigeria. A  multistage sampling technique was used to select 331 respondents from communit ies situated within a 5k m radius of the boundary of the  ecotourism site. Data were collected using interview schedule and key informant interview s. Data were analys ed using both descriptive and  inferential st atistics. The r esult showed that the restriction placed on natural resources due to their ecotourism value wa s perceived to have the  most beneficial effect on the resident s’ communities well being by enhancing relation ships and feeling s of belonging in the community. This was  followed in descending order by the ecotourism effect on residents emotional, educational, health and safety, and material well being domains. The  effects differ significantly across selected ecotourism sites due to the difference in residents’ access to natural resources. The study recommends the  creation and strengthening of community based local resource management fora to cater for issues of ecotourism resources management,  responsibilities, and benefits sharing.