Assessment of infrastructural development in the host communities of Kainji Lake National Park toward enhancing ecotourism in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper assessed the infrastructural development in the host communities of Kainji Lake National Park toward enhancing ecotourism in Nigeria. Cluster sampling was used to group all communities within ten (10) kilometres of the park into ten (10) units. Based on closeness to the Park one community was randomly selected from each of the ten (10) units for data collected. Focus group discussions and oral interviews were conducted to collect primary data from each selected community. Secondary data on the benefits of the projects to the communities were also obtained from the Park's official records. The results obtained from the analysis show several infrastructural development projects were implemented through the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) and Global Environmental Facility (GEF) in the host communities. Findings revealed that about 60% of water-related projects in the host communities were from the KLNP/GEF intervention program, and impacted the thirteen (13) communities studied. Other projects in the host communities include; education, health and  road/transportation and water projects. The study further indicates that the Park has done much to enhance the standard of living of the host communities. The paper concluded with recommendations that the host communities should be allowed to choose further the Park engagement activities that best address their local needs and priorities.