British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 1 January 2012, Vol. 3 (2)

Transcription

1 British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 1 Assessment of Community Perception and Participation in Eco-Tourism: Cross River State National Park Scenario Eja, Eja.I., (Ph.D) Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Calabar, Calabar. Ajake, Anim.O., (Ph.D) Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Calabar, Calabar. Violet, Effiom.A. (M.Sc.) Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Calabar, Calabar. Abstract The core issue is what happened to the ecotourism potential (National Park) which has lied fallow and undergoing series of environmental degradation over the years in Cross River State. This study which aimed at assessing community perception in ecotourism revealed that the people s belief system have hindered the perception of the indigenous people towards ecotourism activities. Two hundred questionnaires were randomly distributed to both elites and the rural dwellers. Information such as the people s interest and perception were captured. Findings also shows that lack of community awareness and positive attitude has lead to the abuse of the concept of ecotourism and further deplete the environment through mass tourism. However, it was observed that both the elites and rural dwellers have the same perception about ecotourism even though they seem to be more conscious of the concept of ecotourism. This is an indication that the concept of ecotourism if not properly addressed, the indigenous communities within these laudable resources would likely not reap the benefits and take trip to these ecotourism zones in the nearest future. Key words: Perception, participation, ecotourism, sustainable environment. Introduction In the 1990 s, there is a growing realization that the long-term subjugation of perception of society by people has began to create a less accommodating milieu for the sustainability of society. This involves the impairment of so-called open access resources which, at the global level, constitute the global ecotourism system. Ecotourism provides one way to help educate the community to protect and conserve the environment through travel, and to also create and maintain a sustainable environment for both residents and tourists and more importantly, for the next generation. Thus, the community should be aware of and have positive attitudes toward s ecotourism. Today, nature, based tourism is argued to be one of the fastest growing industries in the world (World Trade Organization, 1998). The ecotourism society described ecotourism as an approach to creating nature-base tourism opportunities that encourage responsible travel to natural areas to conserve and protect those areas, and improve the welfare of local people (Western, 2003). In reality, these protected zones which provides for recreation and tourism can result in negative impacts to both the environment local in negative impacts to both the environment and local people if use is not planned and managed cruelty (Buckley, 2001). The lack of community awareness and positive attitude towards ecotourism and the environment is likely to lead to depletion of the environment through the most popular type of mass tourism (Honey, 1999). The Asian Hotelier (1997) reported, with some degree of abhorrence, how a Hong Kong travel agent causally flicked his cigarette both into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, without any regard to the consequences of his actions. This demonstrates, to a certain extent shows the level of ignorance of some people towards the environment. In Cross River State, the perception of the people about the forest ecosystem as having the potentials for ecotourism, and the believe that the ancestral forest

2 British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 2 reserve will be taken away if the forest is converted for ecotourism, their access into the natural resources will be hindered and their livelihood will be affected has hindered the smooth functioning and participation of the within the protected zone to participate in ecotourism activities indigenous people s. However, the perception of people mostly those of the elites class and rural dwellers with regards to the National park in Cross River State (Okowangwo Davidson) is quite distinct. Beside, the enclave communities around this protected zone seem to have negative attitude to ecotourism, this has made them to reap little or no benefit from these laudable resources in the area. Nevertheless, several researchers have devoted significant extension to defining these different tourism concepts and their implication in relation to tourism, even though much have been said on the subject matter in a global perspective nothing has been seriously mentioned with specific reference to community perception and participation as regards to ecotourism in the Okwangwo National Park in Cross River State which is the premise of this work. Methodology This research was conducted in communities around the Okwangwo National park, Cross River State taking into consideration villages such as Boshi and Boshi Extension forest reserves. A descriptive sectional research design was used for this study. Two hundred copies of questionnaire were used to collect data of which 100 each were distributed to both elites and the remaining 100 to rural dwellers from a random sampled of residents in the protected area. Two set of question were used, one for the elites and the other for the rural dwellers. The two set of questionnaires was to enable for comparison between the elites and rural dwellers with respect to their perception about ecotourism. Information such as their interest in ecotourism and participation was also captured in the questionnaire. The chi-square was used in testing the stated hypothesis which was to examine. If or not there exist significant difference in perception among the rural dwellers and elites about ecotourism and the qualities of the environment while the independent t-test was used to validate the validity of variables in the data collected. Overview: Okwangwo National park The Okwangwo Division of Cross River National Park found in Nigeria is 920sqkm in extent and is comprise of the Boshi and Boshi Extension forest Reserves, together with all of the Obudu Plateau and the communal lands between the Okon River and the Ikom-Obudu highway known as the Mbe Mountains. The area of the Park occupies approximately 2,250sqkm in the south-east of Nigeria, lying north and east of the Cross River and extending along the order. The study Area lies south-east of Obudu Town, and within and Ikom Local Government Areas, whose headquarters towns of Obudu and Ikom are outside the project Area. The project Area encircled by the Cross River to the south, the Ikom-Obudu Highway to the west, the Obudu Town road to the north, and the Cameroon frontier. Minor unsurfaced roads penetrate the project area from the main roads into the Park. Lands within the Park rise northwards and eastwards from the surrounding lowlands from about 150m to over 1, 700m on the Obudu Plateau. Disjointed and connected ridges, isolated apexs, and buolder rocks are seen. Rivers in the area generally flow from north-east to south-west, but greater elevation is followed by increased dissection and structural control of drainage. The main Rivers include; Oyi, Okon, and Afi which are all tributaries of Cross River. Minor ones include: magbe, mache and Anyukwo rivers which fed and drain the Obudu plateau and Boshi extension of the Park. The ecological aspect has to do with a close canopy of 500 metres forest which is similar to that of the Guineo-Congolian high forest growing in a strongly seasonal climate. The plateau forests possess abundant epiphytes and lianas, and the flora of the entire plateau and its surroundings escarpments is extremely rich.

3 British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 3 Figure 1: Mondrillus len cophaeus ( monkey) is one of the 13 endangered species of primate found in Okwangwo National Park, that could be protected for eco-tourism Figure 2: Low land gorilla in okwangwo National Park that could be protected for eco-tourism Ecotourism concept and community perception In recent years, the concept of "eco-tourism" has appeared in literature. The first world congress on Tourism and development, defined eco-tourism as travel that promotes environmental conservation and economic development Murphy (1991). According to Boo (1990) eco-tourism is a tourism based on a region's natural attractions, which also safeguards the ecosystem and the local inhabitants welfare. Also, according to Eagles (1992), eco-tourism implies a responsibility on the part of both the travel industry and tourists. These definitions, and accompanying implication are indeed the ideal seem to create a feasibility weapon to combat rainforest destruction, Dolin(1991), and Duffus (1992). However, when put into practice, this ideal begins to falter. National Park at Okwangwo can provide services which are of direct economic benefit. This is possible, by converting it to an eco-tourism park. Countries like Belize and Costa Rica has been able to make this possible. They earn income from "eco-tourism" in forest areas, and the prospects for growth from tourists from developed countries are considerable, reflecting the growing interest in these environments in the developed world. This growth of tourism is likely to be concentrated in specific areas; for example, forest reserves in Rwanda are already used by eco-tourists to view mountain gorillas. The growth of tourism in rainforest areas is likely to result in some reserves being closely protected, but the need for well developed tourist facilities and good transport infrastructure means that tourism is unlikely to spread beyond these relatively small enclaves. Nevertheless, the success of the 'safari' tourism of countries such as Kenya and Zimbabwe shows the potential of this form of economic utilization of forests for National Park development in their present form. Non-use values, reflecting the aesthetic and cultural significance of forest and trees. There is no doubt that many people in many countries place great value on tropical forests even if they are unlikely to ever visit them, the growth of environmental opposition to tropical forest clearance in Europe demonstrates this. These values are intangible but real and should be taken into account when assessing the value of forests. Ivor (1971), has taken the view that a deeper understanding of man environment-interaction can be achieved by looking at the various psychological process rough which man comes to know the environment in which he lives, and by examining the way in which these processes influence the nature of resultant behaviour.

4 British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 4 Human existence is mostly hinge on perception. Most of the groups, e.g cultural individual rely's on perceiving as perception is one of the most clear instances of unconsciousness. Indeed, to be alive and active is to be sentient Ebong(1995) According to Ebong (1995 P 2-3), the key to successful control of environmental problem lies in the planner's effort to comprehend a whole range of problems intrinsic people's perception of their environment and their concomitant behaviour. Environment perceived clarifies the notion that it is the human mind which not rely drives the human body but shapes and moves the physical world, any change in man, his value, his attitude, his goals and aspiration, open to change by those who are declined and inspired to accomplish that goal Ebong (1995). Based on this concept, this research world necessarily suggest that the government, considers the attitudes values and opinions of the inhabitants rather than promulgating and enacting laws, edicts, decrees sanctions on defaulters Sonnenfield (1978), in his own opinion says the reason for different behaviours nation and the way in which things are perceived by ourselves and others. The amount of in formation assimilated through our perception can affect our belief. Saying at perception and behaviour as a function represent the most pertinent, portion of the environment. So the Okwangwo National Park, to be fruitful as an eco-tourism potentials or interest, and attention should be given to the problems, attitudes and the perception (both the elites and rural dwellers. Increasing recognition of the fact that, people respond not only to physical attributes of the environment but also to the psychological and sociological variables when key take decision on where they locate industrial establishment or how to utilise the earth s surface Mosley (1995). The perception of people mostly those of the elites class and rural dwellers as regard the National Park in Cross River State (Okwangwo division) is quite distinct. analyzing these facts, an understanding of the interactions between human society and physical environment is inevitable. In some intellectualistic quarters, the tradition of analyzing society separately from environment is fully considered. This dualistic approach has its origin in the work Strabo (64 BC-AD20), his on Geographies drew distinctions between people and places. Mostly base on how they perceived the environment they find themselves. Despite people s attitude toward the potentials of the park as an ecotourism potential, there is still no satisfactory conceptualization of the relationship between human societies and the physical environment. Findings The demographic characteristics of the sampled s The demographic characteristics of the sampled presented in table 1 shows that 60% of the sampled (elites) were young people while only 5% and 10% were in the age bracket of 24years and above. Table 1 shows that 45% and 35% of the rural dwellers sampled were young people while the older people were in the age bracket of 45 years and above. Accordingly, over 65 to 66% of both elites and rural dwellers sampled were male while 35% elites and 34% rural dwellers constitute the female. Furthermore, 55% married elites and 67% married rural dwellers constitute the major sampled while the remaining 45% and 33% consist of young elites and rural dwellers who are single. This result shows that a high percentage of mature people constitute the sampled for this study. However, it was noticed in table 1 that a high percentage of the sample had obtained both secondary and tertiary school education even though 59% elites attained a tertiary education compared to rural dwellers with a value of 10% persons with tertiary education. It was observed that 55% of the sampled have no formal education, this might be the reason why their perception and interest in ecotourism was very low in the area. Beside, these are rural communities were farming constitute the major occupation as presented in table 1 with a value of 37 compared to other occupational profile found in the area.

5 British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 5 Table 1: Demographic characteristics of the sampled Elites Responses Percentage(%) Responses Percentage(%) and above 5 45 and above 10 Male 65 Male 66 Female 35 Female 34 Single 45 Single 33 Married 55 Married 67 Primary School Secondary school Tertiary school No formal Education Primary school Secondary school Tertiary school Farming 45 Farming 37 Trading 15 Trading 23 Fishing 16 Fishing 21 Hunting 24 Hunting 19 Source: Field survey, 2011 Community awareness of ecotourism objectives The level of community awareness of ecotourism objectives presented in table 2 revealed that almost 22.5% of both the elites and rural dwellers were aimed at learning about the natural ecosystem (environment). Table 2 indicate that 21.5% of the elites were basically to know more about the environment which was in contrast with the rural dwellers with a value of 2%. This affirmed (Doan, 2000) assertion on resource exploited which he explain the negative attitude of the indigenous people towards resource conservation. According to (Blamey, 1997) rural dwellers are not conscious of the significant of the community base resources and as a result their impact on the resources usually reduces the esthetics of the environment. Accordingly, even though 20% of the rural dwellers were conscious of ecotourism objectives their consciousness on reducing the negative impacts on the destination and benefits accrue from conservation was low with values of 8% and 6.5% respectively.

6 British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 6 Table 2: Awareness of the important of ecotourism Awareness Sampled Percentage Sampled Percentage Total % total Elites elites/rural Learning about the environment Travelling to nature-base destination Building environmental consciousness Reducing negative impacts on the destination Ensuring direct financial benefits for conservation Source: Field survey, 2011 Community interest in ecotourism Table 3 which present the interest of the people in ecotourism indicate that 65% of the people show interest in knowing more about ecotourism even though 25% elites have more interest in knowing about ecotourism compared to 7.5% rural dwellers. This result was an indication that the rural dweller were neither or not or not very in knowing more about ecotourism as shown in 29% and 44% of their opinion which was high compared to community elite with a value of 2.5% and 2% respectively. However, on the basis of community interest in taking part in ecotourism, it was observed that 23% of the community elites were and willing to take part in ecotourism compared to rural dwellers with a value of 8% which shows a negative attitude of rural dwellers in ecotourism. However, with this result presented in table 3 it is clear that the rural dwellers within the protected zones were not in ecotourism activities.

7 British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 7 Table 3: Level of community interest in ecotourism Interest in Sampled Percentage Sampled knowing more about ecotourism Elites Very Percentage Total N = Mean Interest Neutral Not Not too Interest to Sampled Percentage Sampled Percentage Total Mean take involve in n =200 ecotourism Elites Very Interest Neutral Not Not too Source: Field survey, 2011 Community participation in ecotourism development The level of community participation in ecotourism development presented in table 4 shows that both the elites and rural dwellers sampled agree that the community participation more in ecotourism development through the provision of physical assistance with values of 27.5% and 57.8% respectively while 30% guide with values 57.8% and 30% respectively. Table 4 revealed that financial contribution, decision making and preparation of ecotourism development strategy on the part of the community was low with values of 8%, 1.5% and 2.5% respectively. However, the tested hypothesis revealed a calculated value of 4.7% greater than the critical value of 1.65 at 0.05 significance level. This is an indication that there is a significant relationship that exist between community elites perception and rural dwellers about ecotourism in the area.

8 British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 8 Table 4: Community participation in ecotourism development Participation in ecotourism Sampled Percentage Sampled Percentage Total % total elite/rural development Elites dweller Financial contribution Provision of physical assistance Tourist guide Decision making Preparation of ecotourism development strategy (N=200) Source: Field survey, 2011 Community problems of embarking in ecotourism The main community problems of embarking in an ecotourism trip presented in table 5 shows that 40% of the people had no time for ecotourism due to personal family and work. It was observed that 27% of the people had no interest while 8% had no companion s interest in going for ecotourism activities. Beside, the rural dwellers had shown no interest to ecotourism due to lack of time as a result of family and personal work compared to community elites with value of 4%. Table 5 also revealed that both elites and rural dwellers do not see lack of safety as a problem of embarking in ecotourism trip as both had values of 2% and 1% respectively

9 British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 9 Table 5: Major problems of embarking in an ecotourism trip Problems Sampled Percentage Sampled Percentage Total Mean No companions interest in going Elites Tour costs No time due to personal, family on work Lack of information about destinations Transportation problems The level of comfort offered No interest in ecotourism Safety (N =200) Source: Field survey, 2011 Recommendations and Conclusion It was observed in the findings that there was limited awareness of ecotourism which has hindered the smooth and promotion of ecotourism in the communities under investigation. This study therefore proposed the following if ecotourism activities must be enhanced in the area: The communities within the protected ecotourism zone should be enlightened on the benefits accrue to ecotourism activities and development The government must initiate programmes that would involve community in ecotourism activities and development The rural dweller should be given incentives that would help them or enable them take part in ecotourism trips. This would help the rural dwellers appreciate nature The government and other stakeholders should provide adequate accessibility around the protected ecotourism areas. Conclusion The hypothesis tested clearly shows that community elites were more aware of ecotourism compared to rural dwellers. Although, their level of awareness in ecotourism has not impacted significantly to the lives of the rural dwellers which would have helped to boost their interest in ecotourism in the area. Beside, no recognition were made of the financial, employment and human right aspects of ecotourism mention by Campbell, L. M, (1999). So the Okwangwo National Park in Cross

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