Analysis of ecotourism activities in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Abstract

Utilization of tourism as an effective tool for poverty alleviation can hardly be achieved without proper evaluation of tourism performance in existing eco-destinations. An overview of ecotourism activities in Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) was carried out through reconnaissance survey and review of secondary data obtained from KLNP record book. Data were presented and analysed with descriptive statistics (tables and frequencies) and inferential statistics such as Chi-Square. Results showed that KLNP has core and supporting tourist attractions packaged in forms of natural, artificial, cultural, historical and archeological produces as in game viewing, bird watching, lake cruising, swimming and sporting at attractive sites like old Bussa, Lion cave Kali Hills and Shrines, Museum, Hippopotamus pools, crocodile creek, Oli camp and riparian forests. Monthly tourist visitation was generally poor but relatively high in months of festivities such as December (8,273), November (5,351), April (3,658), January (3,490) and February (3,088). Analysis of visitation on annual basis showed that 2005 topped the least with a total of 5,593 visitors followed by 2006 (4,712) and 2004 (4,704). The total number of visitors between 1991 and 2006 was 41,647 while total amount of money generated within this period was N32,386,036.00. Further analysis indicated that there was significant association between visitation (÷2=210.00, df=196, p<0.05) and income generation by the park. Ecotourism resources of Kainji Lake National Park are under-utilized. The Park in this present form can hardly sustain itself financially.