Evaluation of selected water quality parameters and possible tourism activities in Ayikunugba waterfall, Oke-Ila, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated some water quality parameters of Ayikunugba waterfall and assessed the awareness of members of the host  community of tourism activities that can be done in and around the waterfall. Water samples were collected fortnightly for 4 months  from 3 sampling locations to determine temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and biological oxygen demand (BOD). Probe meters  and standard laboratory methods were used to evaluate these parameters. Structured questionnaires were administered to the village  and household heads from Oke-Ila community to assess the community’s awareness of tourism activities that can be done using the  waterfall. Results show that the water temperature (23.58±1.51ºC), pH (7.20±0.17), DO (10.34±0.57mg/L) and BOD (1.66±0.73mg/L) were  within the standard limits for recreational waters. The respondents’ majority were male (86.25%), 41 – 60 years of age (61.25%), with a  minimum of secondary school education (65.00%). The respondents’ majority (98.75%) have previously participated in a tourism activity;  90.00% of them have visited Ayikunugba waterfall during OkeIla Day annual celebration (27.50%) and for the discovery of the waterfall  myth (25.00%). Tourism activities with high levels of respondents’ awareness include swimming (98.75%), sales of arts and crafts (98.75%),  cycling (97.50%), trekking (92.50) and boating (81.25%). Therefore, Ayikunugba waterfall is recommended for development to  harness its tourism potential while community involvement should be employed to facilitate sustainable use.