Webmaster OKONKWO, EBERE CLEMENTINA PG/M.A/08/49612 ARCHAEOLOGY AND TOURISM TOURISM, FACULTY OF ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA ENUGU CAMPUS

Transcription

1 1 OKONKWO, EBERE CLEMENTINA PG/M.A/08/49612 HARNESSING THE POTENTIALS OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS FOR ANAMBRA STATE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN PARTS OF A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND TOURISM, FACULTY OF ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA ENUGU CAMPUS ARCHAEOLOGY AND TOURISM 2011 Webmaster Digitally Signed by Webmaster s Name DN : CN = Webmaster s name O= University of Nigeria, Nsukka OU = Innovation Centre

2 2 APPROVAL PAGE OKONKWO, EBERE CLEMENTINA, Reg. No. PG/M.A/08/49612, a post-graduate student in the Department of ARCHAEOLOGY AND TOURISM has satisfactorily completed the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (M.A.) in ARCHAEOLOGY AND TOURISM. The research work embodied in this thesis is original and has not been submitted in part or in full for any other diploma or degree of this or any other University. Dr. (Mrs.) P. I. Eze-Uzomaka (Supervisor).. Dr. (Mrs.) P. I. Eze-Uzomaka (Head of Department).. (External Supervisor)

3 3 TITLE PAGE HARNESSING THE POTENTIALS OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN PARTS OF ANAMBRA STATE

4 4 DEDICATION To the effort of my dear husband, Mr. Emeka E. Okonkwo in financing this programme, and for staying and waiting anxiously to see the end of this programme.

5 5 PREFACE This research report examines the potentialities of natural and cultural attractions for tourism development in Anambra State. The abundant tourism attractions with which the state is endowed and blessed with has necessitated the choice of the state as a case study. A study of these attractions revealed inherent values capable of transforming and developing the host communities into a tourists haven. The study uses ethnographic techniques to elicit information and analyze the available data. The research report therefore argues that harnessing the potentialities of natural and cultural attractions in Anambra State will not only create job opportunities, encourage local crafts, but will also improve the living standard of host communities. For the purpose of clarity, this work has been broken into chapters. Chapter one deals with the introduction of the topic of the research, statement of problem that motivated this study, the research questions that readily come to mind, the objectives for carrying out the research, the methods employed in carrying out the research, the scope of the study, and the limiting factors that affected the research during the period in which the research was carried out. Chapter two concentrated on the literature review, which includes theoretical review, empirical review and theoretical orientation. Chapter three focused on the background information, geographical location of the study area, historical background, economy of the people, cultural activities and political organization of the study area.

6 6 Chapter four is about data collection, presentation and analysis of the study area, presentation of data of tourist attractions in Anambra State, delimitation of tourist attractions at the study area into natural and cultural attractions, and the data analysis. Finally, the last chapter deals with the summary of the report, and recommendations for the way forward were also offered and conclusion reached.

7 7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I must first of all commend the Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka for accepting and approving my thesis topic. My most humble and sincere thanks goes to my thesis supervisor, Dr. (Mrs.) P. I. Eze-Uzomaka, for her unreserved and indeed excellent academic efforts in guiding this study to its completion. She took great pains to read and patiently correct the manuscript. I feel that the success of this academic piece was her concern. My profound thanks also goes to Prof. A. I. Okpoko, Prof. E. E. Okafor, Prof. P. U. Okpoko, Dr. A. M. Ibeanu, Dr. L. C. Ekechukwu, and Mr. E. I. Itanyi for their advice and encouragement during the writing of this thesis. My immense gratitude goes to my husband, Mr. Emeka E. Okonkwo for financing my Masters Programme. His advice and encouragement was of great help to me. It would not have been so easy to complete the programme without his support. Not withstanding his academic engagements, he managed to squeeze out time from his numerous commitments to take me round the towns for all the oral interviews. I reserve my special thanks to my brothers fondly called papa Cynthia, papa Ikem, papa Nnaemeka, Nnamdi and my sister Anastasia. The bibliography at the end shows the numerous sources to which I am indebted, in varying degrees for this work. I say a big thank you to you all. Hold on to what is good.

8 8 LIST OF FIGURES PAGE Figure 1: Map of Anambra State Showing the Study Areas..26 Figure 2: Map of Anaocha Local Government Area Figure 3: Map of Aguata Local Government Area...28 Figure 4: Map of Nnewi South Local Government Area..29 Figure 5: A Pie Chart of Tourist Arrivals at the Natural Attractions in the Study Areas from January December, Figure 6: A Bar Chart of Tourist Arrivals at the Natural Attractions from January December, Figure 7: A Pie Chart of Tourist Arrivals at the Various Cultural Attractions in Our Study Areas from January December, Figure 8: A Bar Chart of Tourist Arrivals at the Various Cultural Attractions from January December,

9 9 LIST OF TABLES PAGE Table 1: Statistics of Tourist Arrivals at the Natural Attractions in the Study Areas from January December, Table 2: Statistics of Tourist Arrivals at the Natural Attractions from January December, Table 3: Statistics of Tourist Arrivals at the Cultural Attractions in Our Study Areas from January December, Table 4: Statistics of Tourist Arrivals at the Cultural Attractions from January December,

10 10 LIST OF PLATES PAGE Plate 1: Vegetation of Anambra State...30 Plate 2: A Side View of Agulu Lake..39 Plate 3: Haaba Erosion Site in Agulu...39 Plate 4: Okpu Erosion Site in Agulu.. 40 Plate 5: Ekwulobia-Oko Erosion Site 41 Plate 6: Igboukwu Erosion Site..41 Plate 7: Nkwo Umuchu Erosion Site.42 Plate 8: Aguluezechukwu Erosion Site.. 42 Plate 9: Ogwugwu Sacred Grove...45 Plate 10: Mmiri Agu Stream in Umudara, Ukpor.. 46 Plate 11: A Statue of a Typical Nri Man in Nri Museum..47 Plate 12: Eze Nri Royal Crown with Eight Feathers. 48 Plate 13: Atilogwu Dance in Aguata Plate 14: Odenigwe Dance in Aguata Plate 15: Egedege Dance...52 Plate 16: Roasting of New Yams...52 Plate 17: Cutting and Declaration of New Yams as Suitable for Eating...53 Plate 18: Titled Men Performing During Yam Festival.53 Plate 19: Abandoned Settlement in Umuhu Village, Ukpor..55 Plate 20: Abandoned Settlement in Umunuko Village, Ukpor.. 55 Plate 21: Okuka Festival Arena in Ukpor, Nnewi South LGA..58

11 11 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Approval Page i Title Page ii Dedication..iii Preface iv Acknowledgment vi List of Figures vii List of Tables viii List of Plates..ix Table of Contents x CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION Statement of Problem Research Questions Research Objectives Research Methods Research Scope Limitation of the Study..9 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW Theoretical Literature Environmental Theory Functionalism Theory Modernization Theory Empirical Literature Natural Attractions Cultural Attractions...18

12 Tourism Development Theoretical Orientation...21 CHAPTER THREE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION Geographical Location of Anambra State Climates and Vegetation Historical Background Socio-Economic/Cultural Activities Socio-Political Organization of Anambra State CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS Data Presentation: A Survey of Tourist Attractions in Anambra State Delimitation of Tourist Attractions Natural Attractions in Anaocha Local Government Area Natural Attractions in Nnewi South Local Government Area Cultural Attractions in Anaocha Local Government Area Data Analysis Statistical Analysis of Tourist Arrivals at the Various Attractions in Anambra State Natural Tourist Attractions Cultural Tourist Attractions Analysis of the Economic and Cultural Values of the Tourist Attractions in Anambra State Harnessing the Potentials of the Cultural and Natural Attractions in Anambra State for Tourism Development and Promotion Impacts of Cultural and Natural Attractions on Anambra People Conservation Methods for Preservation of Natural and Cultural Attractions in Anambra State The Future of Tourist Attractions in Anambra State...75 CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION Summary..78

13 Recommendations...79 Conclusion 82 References. 83 List of Informants 87 Appendix CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Tourism is the act or practice of traveling temporarily out of ones place of abode. It is the sum of the phenomena and relationships arising from the travel and stay of non-residents in so far as they do not lead to permanent residence and are not connected with any earning activity to meet their bill. It has to do with neither income yielding nor permanency of perpetual nature (Aremu, 2001). Tourism is the free movement of people to destinations outside their usual places of residence and work, on a temporary basis, as well as the service industries created to satisfy the needs arising from the movements, within national or across international boundaries, for leisure, adventure, health, business, religion, sports etc. Thus, tourism involves short-term travel at least for one day and not more than one year, expenditure on transport, accommodation, purchases and services, from when the visitors leaves home until he/she returns as well as the impact of such visits and activities on the socio-economic, political and physical environment of the host communities and visitors themselves (Oyakhilome, 2005). Tourism is presently the world s largest and fastest growth industry accounting for about 7% of global capital investment, with receipts predicted to

14 14 reach $1.550 billion by year Apart from serving as a dependable economic asset, which generates much needed foreign exchange, it also helps in promoting the distribution of national income and serves as a basis for national unity as well as mutual understanding in a nation through the movement of people from one place to another (Awake 2005). Tourism is principally a service- based industry and the main product provided by tourism business is hospitality. It is important to note that, a tourism product can be ideas, goods or services which are intangible and as a result, a number of organizations and agencies both public and private have been involved at one level or the other in the management of the abundant tourism resources, others promote, market and regulate them for use as products (Ekechukwu, 2006). Tourism makes for peace and unity among States and nations and brings about income generation which acts as a catalyst to national development. It brings about improvement in the quality of life of both urban and rural dwellers, through provision of leisure facilities and amenities in addition to fostering respect for cultural diversity (Oyakhilome, 2005). Tourism influences the establishment of national parks which have plants and animal species, sites and habitats that are of special, educational, cultural and recreational value (Ben, 2004). As rightly argued by Okwe (2005) cultural tourism helps in the transformation of local communities from a grass to grace-like environment. He further argued that, tourism provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs to establish enterprises as well as stimulating the expansion of other

15 15 economic activities such as fisheries, manufacturing of local goods and craft development. Nigeria is endowed with abundant natural and cultural resources which are located all over the States especially in Anambra State. This nation s tourism potentials which are lying in situ and or wasting in their natural states, if harnessed can produce a distinctive tourism industry capable of generating more than 60% jobs for young Nigerians. Cultural tourism on its own is a vehicle for rural revitalization. This is because the highest concentration of cultural and natural tourism potentials are located in the traditional rural setting. Tourists are therefore attracted to rural communities thus, taking advantage of the growing interest in natural and cultural heritage and historical places (Okonkwo, 2006). Therefore, the development and marketing of these cultural and natural tourism potentials through appropriate marketing strategies like sales promotion will not only end at boosting the economy of the area and upgrading the living standard of the people, but will also increase the beauty of the destination area. Thus, the development of our numerous archaeological and historic sites into tourist sites is seen as the solution to the state s economic depression and social decadence. Again, the development and protection of our cultural heritage remains the centre piece of tourism. To develop tourism in essence implies developing rich cultural and natural heritage of the state, which has remained untapped for a long period of time.

16 16 Today tourism marketers have recognized the increase in leisure time, cheaper and faster means of travel and rising curiosity about other lands, people and their way of life. In this sense the understanding of tourism is essential for those involved in tourism planning either in the local, state or federal levels and for intended private operators of tourism industry. Anambra State is blessed with abundant cultural and natural tourism potentials, which are distributed all over the local communities. This paper was therefore designed to examine the natural and cultural attractions in Anambra State with a view to identifying various ways, by which they can be harnessed for tourism development and promotion in Anambra State in Particular and Nigeria at large. 1.1 Statement of Problem In any given society, the heritage is considered as an irreplaceable source of spiritual and intellectual richness. It is a source of history, identity and life. Anambra State is blessed with abundant cultural and natural heritage which are distributed in all the Local Governments. However, like any other State, Anambra State also faces potentially dramatic changes and challenges. A major challenge facing Anambra State is lack of appropriate promotional strategies in marketing potential tourist attractions. To have these, there is need to identify and categorize all the potential tourist attractions in Anambra State for proper development and promotion.

17 17 Another problem that motivated this work is the paucity of literature on Anambra State tourism potentials as well as poor documentation of these natural and cultural attractions in our study areas. It is these problems that motivated the researcher into probing Anambra State tourism potentials and how best to harness them for sustainable tourism development. Consequently, the quest gave rise to the subject matter of the research report Harnessing the Potentials of Cultural and Natural Attractions for Tourism Development in Parts of Anambra State. 1.2 Research Questions Having appreciated the above problems, the following questions easily come to mind: i. What are the available tourist potentials in Anambra State? ii. Do tourist potentials in Anambra State attract visitors from far and wide? iii. iv. Do these attractions satisfy the interest of the tourists? To what extent has tourism affected the socio-political, cultural and economic lives of Anambra people? v. What are the conservation mechanisms in place for the conservation of these tourism potentials in Anambra State. 1.3 Research Objectives

18 18 The general objective of this research work is to examine tourism potentials in Anambra State and how best to harness them for sustainable tourism development. Specifically, the study aims at achieving the following objectives: i. To identify the available tourist potentials in Anambra State. ii. To find out how these tourism potentials attract visitors from far and wide. iii. To ascertain the extent to which tourists are satisfied with the available tourism potentials in Anambra State. iv. To examine the socio-cultural and economic impact of tourism on the people of Anambra State. v. To examine the conservation mechanisms in place for the conservation of these tourist attractions in Anambra State. And vi. To suggest ways by which the available tourism potentials in Anambra State can be harnessed for tourism development and promotion. 1.4 Research Methods The data that was used for the successful completion of this research report was extracted from both primary and secondary sources. For the primary sources, ethnographic research method was employed. Ethnographic research comes from the discipline of social and cultural anthropology where an ethnographer is required to spend a significant amount of time in the field. Ethnographers immerse themselves in the life of people they

19 19 study (Lewis, 1985) and seek to place the phenomena studied in their social and cultural context. The techniques of ethnographic research used include in-depth interview and oral tradition. Generally, interviews are used in survey researches, where structured and quantifiable information is elicited and in anthropological or micro studies, which elicit qualitative data either in highly flexible, semi-structured or unstructured manners. Interviews are very challenging and require personal skills; sensitivity and adaptability including the ability to stay within the bounds of the research theme or the designed protocol (cf. Okpoko and Ezeh 2005). In-depth interview therefore entails the collection of semi-structured or unstructured data through interviewer interviewee verbal interactions or conversations. As noted by Okpoko and Ezeh (2005) in-depth interviews provide opportunities for respondents to talk freely of their experiences, beliefs and attitudes as they relate to the research problem. It is an indispensable tool where a relatively large amount of information has to be collected in a short period of time and from a small number of respondents. Another inherent advantage of in-depth interviews is that they allow the unexpected or what has been referred to as detours to emerge (Okpoko and Ezeh, 2005). In other words, in-depth interviews allow the research subjects to identify issues that are important to the interviewer (John and Lee-Rose, 1998).

20 20 It is important to note here that the variant of in-depth interview used in this research work was unstructured or open-ended interviews. It was conducted in informal or conversational manners. These involve asking significant questions whenever opportunities offer themselves. There is no formal structured instrument or protocol and the interviewer is free to move the discussion in any direction. The aim according to Beal, et. al. (1979) is not primarily to secure answers to the questions but to stimulate the subject to talk; in the hope of learning what the subject thinks is important. The unstructured or open-ended interviews range from casual informal interviews with unselected individuals to key informant interviewing (Okpoko and Ezeh, 2005). The second variant of in-depth interview that was used in this research was semi-structured interviews, which are more systematic than the unstructured interviews. Here, semi-structured interview require the preparation of interview schedules or guides. It involves a conscious effort to guide and steer the discussion towards the particular interests of the researcher by either using a series of written or memorized prompts, or a carefully planned interview guide consisting of a list of items, which must be covered during the interview (Obikeze, 1990). It is pertinent to note here that this type of interview fosters rapport between the interviewer and the interviewee. It is also invaluable when interviewing an illiterate or semi-literate population. It further helped to generate unexpected information or insights (Okpoko and Ezeh, 2005).

21 21 Oral tradition on the other hand is a statement of the mouth transmitted from generation to generation. It is therefore pertinent to state here that through the use of oral and in-dept interviews, the researcher selected or interviewed elderly people and youths believed to have useful information on the subject matter. The secondary sources of information were from library materials. Among these library materials are textbooks, journals, magazines, newspapers, conference papers etc. Also internet materials were used. Information obtained from both primary and secondary sources were used in the analysis and interpretation of our findings, which was eventually embodied in this research report. 1.5 Research Scope For a single person to cover the entire state was difficult, so the researcher carefully selected some local government areas in a sample form with the view to covering them and as such obtain relevant information that will be used to generalize opinion/analysis. The rationale behind their selection was based on their long-standing history of good tourism attractions. Thus, the local government areas that were hand-marked for study were: Aguata, Anaocha, and Nnewi south local government areas. These areas were intensively studied and information useful for the purpose of this study were obtained and systematically analyzed. 1.6 Limitations of the Study

22 22 In the course of this work, the researcher encountered a lot of problems, which are basically the unavailability and the scarcity of literature. Pearce (1989) stated that literature on tourism is fragmented and lacking a firm sense of direction. The above was caused by lack of documentation. There was no written history on the origin and development of tourism potentials in Anambra State. Also, the reluctance of the people to give information contributed to our limitations as well. In the field, it was not easy to obtain all the information from the right sources or authorities. Some of our proposed informants refused to cooperate while a few others were willing to talk only when they have been financially rewarded. Considering the financial constraints at this time, the researcher had to walk long distances to some of the areas under study to gather information about available tourism potentials in the areas. Finally, bureaucracy also hindered my efforts. In some places visited, the researcher was turned down and refused audience. While in some places after a long waiting, the reward for waiting was a cold reply that the supposed informant was not on seat. Howbeit, these limitations were overcome through careful, painstaking and tender approach to offensive informants.

23 23 CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter focuses on the review of theories and related literature. It comprises three sub-headings: theoretical literature, empirical literature and theoretical orientation. 2.1 Theoretical Literature Theory is a guide to practice; no research study can be educative without an underlying theory or model. The researcher s theoretical approach helps to define the research problems and how to tackle it. Theory is a basis for research practice and application. It serves both as a tool and a goal; it helps in direct empirical investigation, guiding research by generating new predictions and integrates other

24 24 empirical finding through abstracting, codifying, summarizing and storing information (Mark, 1963). However, in tourism, like any other field of study, many theories have been used to study various aspects of the field. Some of these theories were originally developed in the tourism field while others were borrowed from other academic fields. This illustrates the inter-disciplinary nature of tourism. Theory by definition is an account of the world which goes beyond what we can see and measure. It embraces a set of interrelated definitions and relationships that organize our concepts of and understanding of the empirical world in a systematic way (Scott and Marshall, 2005:662). In a nutshell, theory is not an end itself rather a means to an end. It is the inevitable tool which facilitates research work as no research can be conducted without an underlying theory or model (Okpoko and Igbo in Okpoko, 2006:12). For the purpose of this research work only theories that are relevant to the development and promotion of tourism will be discussed. This will help this research work to give a vivid description with theoretical backup on how tourism potentials can be developed and promoted especially in our study area. The theories adjudged useful for this work are Environmental theory, Functionalism theory, and Modernization theory. These theories are important in tourism planning and development. Building tourism on sound theories will help to ensure good and independent analysis and unbiased judgment. As the tourism potentials of Anambra State are

25 25 still under threat of development, good and appropriate theories will help to provide both knowledge and tool for shaping its development. It will also help the researcher to know the contextual and spatial scope of such research Environmental Theory Environmental concern became manifest in the late 1950 s in developed countries as more and more citizens voiced alarm at the deteriorating quality of their air and water (Atchia and Tropp, 1997). The deterioration of the natural environment is as a result of the unchecked activities of many industries using natural resources. The natural environment is endowed with high quality air, water, beach, forest with diverse wildlife etc. These environmental resources or gifts of nature are the major attractions of the tourism industry. In the light of this, Okpoko and Igbo in Okpoko (2006:25) asserted that tourism destinations offer natural goods like nature reserve, nice climate, clean air, spring water among others. Therefore, it is not surprising that the environment broadly interpreted is an essential resource for tourism and in turn receives many of the consequent impacts planned and unplanned (Atehia and Tropp, 1997:320). To avoid environmental consequences, some of the proceeds from nature should be injected into environmental preservation and protection to ensure its sustainability (Okpoko and Igbo in Okpoko, 2006:25). Hence, for sustainability, the concept of land carrying capacity is used in tourism planning to determine the upper limits of development and visitor use and

26 26 the optimum utilization of tourism resources (Inskeep in Okpoko, 2006:25). Also the law of diminishing destination yields is applied while setting development limits the law of diminishing destination yields is vital in two major respects. First, it provides the enabling instruments for calculating and reducing congestion in destination areas. Second, it helps to prolong the tourism season by encouraging more regular and constant distribution of tourism demand through out the year (Okpoko and Igbo in Okpoko, 2006:26). Another theory that has been used to explain environmental problems and tourism is the theory of property rights there are two variants of this theory: (a) The polluter has a right to pollute; and (b) the affected party has a right to nonpollution. In the former case, the costs of non-pollution are a burden on the affected party; but in the latter, the costs of pollution are covered by polluters (polluter pays principle) (Mihalic nd in Okpoko, 2006:26). From the foregoing, a close interrelationship does exist between environment and tourism; neither is viable without the other and both require careful management to ensure that their viability is persuaded (Mannion, 1995:287) Functionalism Functionalism is a mode of analysis used particularly in the social science which purports to explain social and cultural phenomena in terms of the functions they perform in socio-cultural system (Hunter and White, 1976: 180). In other

27 27 words functionalism is concerned with the function of a component within a system. Okeibunor and Anugwom (2005:31) are also of the same view. In their opinion functionalism is the contribution that an institution or item or any partial activity makes to the maintenance of the whole. They further stated that the fundamental theoretical premise of functionalism is based on Durkheim s hypothesis of social solidarity. Therefore, functionalism s basic question is How does society meet its needs? Each process, institution and practice is seen as performing a function that meets a societal need and thereby helps to maintain the society s structure or equilibrium. In other words processes and institutions are understood in terms of their contribution to an on-going social whole (Mann, 1992:138). Hence, the basic tenet of the functionalist approach is that society are conceived as systems of mutually interdependent parts, and therefore no single institution can be understood in isolation from the cultural whole. In this way the tourism industry cannot be understood outside the industrial/cultural sector where its role can be assessed. Another element which is central to functionalist theory is the assumption that social systems must meet certain needs or necessary conditions of existence or functional imperatives, if the society is to survive (Hunter and White, 1976:181). Radcliffe Brown (1952), expresses this proposition by drawing an analogy between biological organism and social systems. Just as the life of an organism is maintained by the activities of particular cells, fluids and organs, so

28 28 the social system is maintained by the proper functioning of its constituent institutions. In this vein the Nigeria cultural resources would be maintained following the proper functioning of all its sectors. For instance sole dependence on the art and culture sector might be catastrophic in situation whereby the cultural resources are well maintained. Of a truth, one of the features of a system stressed by functionalists is its tendency towards equilibrium or balance among its parts and among the forces operating on it. Change in one institution has implications for other institutions and for the community or society as a whole, with adaptation being a continuous process. For example, changes in tourism potentials (natural and cultural) may bring about slight change or total change in tourism industry Modernization Theory Modernization theory is a theory of development which states that development can be achieved through following the processes of development that were used by the currently developed country ( While Tordoff (1984:16) defined modernization as a process based upon the rational utilization of resources and aimed at the establishment of a modern society. This theory focused on ways in which past and present pre-modern societies became modern (that is westernized) through the process of culture growth and change in social, political and cultural structures. It is quite clear that modernization theorists are concerned with culture growth within societies as indicated. Also modernization

29 29 theorists study the social, political and cultural consequences of society and the conditions that are important for industrialization achievement orientation programmes, technological development, and economic growth to occur. Benge (1979:21) pointed out that one of the indicators of modernization is the need to be open to new ideas and practices - what development literature usually calls innovation. Of a truth, for Nigeria tourism enterprise to be well developed it must be open to innovation. However, one of the key factors in modernization theory is the belief that development requires the assistance of developed countries to aid developing countries to learn from their development. In this vein, it is assumed that the tourism industry of the western world is already developed of which developing countries still developing their tourism sector actually need the assistance of the developed world in order to build a worthwhile tourist industry with a unique taste that would satisfy tourists of all classes and also would be able to compete with other tourism industries of the world. Conclusively, the modernization theory effectively aimed to provide a gradual, non-revolutionary model of development based on a belief in progress, rationality, and mechanization or industrialization (Hailu, 2005:15). 2.2 Empirical Literature Here, attempts are made to review natural, cultural attractions and tourism development, with a view to examining scholars opinions and views on them as well as a strategy to help guide the researcher in his present research report.

30 Natural Attractions Natural attractions are provided raw by nature, which constitute the core of the tourism product, natural attractions are an extraordinary attraction or scene that most people have not seen before. Natural attractions remain the captivating scenery and landscape, eternal sun shine and the wild fauna and flora with which the country is endowed (Okpoko and Okpoko, 2002:39). Natural attraction or features include the physical features of a place such as the beauty of mountain, the fresh air of a seaside resort, the qualities of a particular beach, the architecture and atmosphere of a great city (Okoli, 2001:136). Omotoso Eluyemi (2002) in his work sees natural attractions as the creations of nature which consist of natural phenomenon such as waterfalls, caves, lakes, rock formations, flora and fauna Cultural Attractions Cultural attractions are indispensable components in our tourism development schemes. In other words cultural/man-made relics can often be an important stimulus to tourist travel. For instance the pyramid of ancient Egypt attracts tourist to the country. Okpoko and Okpoko (2002:40) asserts that cultural attraction provide the foundation upon which our tourist trade should be built. Cultural attractions are the material and non-material, visible and invisible evidences of man s interaction with the environment. ICCRM Newsletter No. 20,

31 31 September (1998:13) reported that cultural heritage has long been considered as tangible objects or intangible items that are carriers of testimony from the past. Cultural heritage now includes such objects as historic city centres, cultural landscapes or living heritage etc. As rightly argued by Lipe (1984) because human beings generally modify the landscapes in which they live and because they attach names, myths and affective values to features of the territory they inhabit, the landscapes of past cultures may also qualify as cultural resources. In this regard, the Olumo rock in Ogun State and Ogbunike cave in Anambra State can be classified as cultural resources due to their utility to the past inhabitants of the areas and the values which the present society attach to them. According to Spradley (1979) in Littrell (1990:107), cultural attractions in general consists of artifacts, behaviours, beliefs and values which can be transformed to a product as an element of the over all tourist supply and can be marketed to tourist through tangible and or intangible elements, examples are buildings, crafts and objects etc. HNTO (1998) stated that cultural attractions could be seen as architectural traditions, religious events, folklore art, folk customs, traditional dance and music, and handicrafts. Epler Wood (1991) sees cultural attractions as a diversity of cultures in a given region which include distinctive folk customs, traditional arts, folklore arts, handicrafts, architecture and gastronomy. He also stated that

32 32 handicrafts serves as attractions in several types of tourism; such as in cultural tourism, rural tourism and eco-tourism Tourism Development Development as a concept has taken on many meaning. It has a range of defining characteristics from narrowly delineated economic ones through broader social values to mere general attributes such as self-reliance Pearce (1989:10). Development literature has rarely discussed tourism despite its significance and role in development strategies in many developing countries since the last three decades. Much of the debates on development have often been centered on the transition between agriculture and industrial societies. Direct links between tourism and theories of economic development have only been discussed in some tourism papers and book such as Pearce (1989:106). As aptly pointed by Reime and Hawkins (1979:68): a successful tourism development is one in which the attraction serves as a facility for both residents and visitors. The long-lives, carefully conceived development does not free the whims and aspirations of a multitude of strangers on a region it used the indigenous qualities of the region, whether social or natural to satisfy the expressed need of selective clientele (Reime and Hawking, 1979:68). Therefore, these factors (the consumer, the producer and the society) must be taken into account for a successful tourism development. Okoli (2001:53)

33 33 describes that tourism development is concerned with the provision of tourism infrastructure and superstructure. Under the provision of infrastructure he says that, the infrastructure has to precede other development and has to be adequate to serve the need of both residents and visitors. It is commonly provided by the public sector. As soon as the site for a tourism facility is chosen, infrastructure has to be provided. Suitable access roads are constructed, water supply from the mains or bore hole is sunk, electricity is supplied either from the national grid or from generating plant, and proper drainage channels are constructed and landscaping done. While under the provision of superstructure he noted that this applies to physical facilities such as hotels, motels, restaurant, airport, harbour, railway coaches and station aircrafts, automobiles etc. Such physical facilities should not only be adequate but also they should be well equipped and maintained to meet the required level of operation and acceptance. Jansen-Verbeke, (1997) sees tourism development as a process by which the tourism product grows from infancy to maturity i.e. a potential tourism resources is harnessed to tourism product. Curry and Weiss (1993:11-16) defined tourism development as a project undertaken to provide a tourism facility, to him a project in this aspect involves the commitment of resources now to obtain extra resources in the future. 2.3 Theoretical Orientation

34 34 Functionalism as argued by Okeibunor and Anugwom (2003) is the contribution that an institution, item or any partial activity makes to the maintenance of the whole system. The theory sees society as a system of interrelated and interdependent parts, which function for the maintenance of the whole. Every tourism potentials, product and services in the sense of functionalism theory are interdependent of each other for effective and efficient production. Thus, all aspect of tourism depends on each other such that their application in tourism promotion functions collectively. The theoretical orientation of this research work will be drawn from functionalism in spite of the fact that other theories (modernization, and environmental) were used. Critically, based on modernization theory, for tourism to successfully thrive in a developing country, it needs the assistance of the developed countries. In other words for Anambra State tourist potentials to bloom it needs the assistance of other countries or States whose tourist potential is already developed. Likewise environmental theory was adjudged useful because tourism and environment are interdependent or interrelated. Tourist attractions are environment based the natural climate, beaches, wildlife, etc. Thus, without a proper consideration of the management strength of the environmental goods, a tourism destination is most likely to lose its power of attraction. Hence, in other to build a sustainable tourism industry in Anambra State, its environment both the physical and cultural must be studied. So that through the activities of tourists, the fabric of State will not be lost.

35 35 However, the central orientation of functionalism expressed in the practice of interpreting data by establishing their consequences for larger structures in which they are implicated has been found in virtually all sciences of man Biology and Physiology, Economics and Law, Anthropology and Sociology (Merton, 1959:46). Finally, these theories serve as an insight to the researcher and even the State on why these attractions should be harnessed, conserved and promoted for sustainable tourism development. CHAPTER THREE BACKGROUND INFORMATION 3.1 Geographical Location of Anambra State Anambra is a State in Southeastern Nigeria. Its state theme is Light of the Nation. It is located within the semi-tropical rain forest belt and shares boundaries with Delta and Edo states to the west, Imo and Rivers states to the south, Enugu state to the east and Kogi state to the north. The origin of the name is derived from the Omambala River, which is easily called Anambra River depending on which dialect used in pronouncing it. Omambala River is on the northern part of Anambra state and stretches to the famous River Niger. Anambra has a landmass of 4, 844km 2 and is ranked 35 out of the 36 states of the federation (Anambra State Diary, 1994). The climate is comparatively equable. The mean temperature of the hottest period (February to April) is about 87 0 F. Rain is seasonal with most of it falling

36 36 between April and October annually and ranges between 152cm and 203cm (Anambra State Diary, 1994). The indigenous ethnic group in Anambra state is the Igbo (90% of population) ( The state has one of the highest population densities in Nigeria. The stretch of more than 60km between Oba and Uli contains a cluster of numerous thickly populated villages and small towns giving the area an estimated density of persons living within every square kilometer of the area (Anambra State Government Pamphlet, 2008). In 2006, the population was estimated to 4,182,032; while the density remains 863/km 2 in 2006 (Anambra State Government Pamphlet, 2008). Although most of the population is overwhelmingly rural, over the last two decades the rural/urban exodus has caused a shift in that balance. The shift of human migration has posed problems regarding the state s resources, infrastructure, environmental sanitation, erosion control and social services. This increase in demand is especially evident in its huge commercial city of Onitsha. However, pipe-borne water, electricity and housing for the many residents of Onitsha are a challenge for many Climates and Vegetation Anambra State lies within the semi-tropical rainforest belt of the South. Its physical features and vegetation are changing gradually from tropical rainforest belt to open woodland and savannah land. A number of factors combined to

37 37 degrade the original forest vegetation to derived savannah in which fire tender forest trees have been progressively replaced by fire tolerant savannah species. These factors include high rural population densities, shifting cultivation and annual bush burning. In some areas, only isolated stands of a few forest emergent trees remain as evidence of the original forest. The vegetation in Anambra State varies rapidly over short distance, in the forms of low forest dense woodlands and thickets, alternating with open tree and grass savannah. Anambra State is characterized by the presence of oil palm trees (Elaeis guineensis), bread fruit tree (Treculia africana), Pears (Dacryodesedulis), mangoes (Mangifera indica) among others. Anambra State has the rainy and the dry season. The rainy season is influenced by the southwest trade wind blowing in from Atlantic Ocean, which shifts the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (I.T.C.Z) further North. This season begins in March and last till October/November with mean annual rainfall that decreases inland from about 150cm, while the dry season occurs between November/December to February. This season is characterized by the dry harmattan from North easterly wind blowing across the desert down South bringing with it dust sands and excessive dryness and its mean annual temperature is about 87 f with high relative humidity of about 80% (Okonkwo, 2004). Plains under 200meters above sea level dominate the Anambra State land surface. The characteristic trend of the topography is that of a gradual slow ascent from the Niger delta in the Southwest to the Eastern high lands. The land surface

38 38 could be classified into three broad relief units, namely, plains, and low lands (including river valleys), cuesta landscapes and highlands. Hydrologically, sediments of the deltaic plain, sands and basal cretaceous sand stone under lay the State. For most parts, it is highly dominated by the occurrence of the highly porous false-bedded sandstone known as the Ajali formations, which out-crop over a vast area. Some parts of Anambra State are made up of alluvium and coast alluvium including gravels, sand, silt, and clay materials (Onochie, 1987).

39 Figure 1: Map of Anambra State Showing the Study Areas Source: Okonkwo E. (2004) 39

40 Figure 2: Map of Anaocha Local Government Area Source: Okoye, A. C. (2002) 40

41 Figure 3: Map of Aguata Local Government Area Source: Okonkwo E. (2004) 41

42 Figure 4: Map of Nnewi South Local Government Area 42

43 43 Plate 1: Vegetation of Anambra State 3.2 Historical Background Anambra possesses a history that stretches back to the 9 th century AD, as revealed by archaeological excavations at Igbo-Ukwu and Ezira; these findings revealed a great number of details on the ancient kingdom of Nri, which held sway in the area of Anambra from C.948AD to 1911 ((Anambra State Government Pamphlet, 2008). During the Nigeria/Biafran war, a relief airstrip was constructed by Biafran engineers in the town of Uli (code named Annabelle ). Extremely dangerous relief flights took off from Sao Tome and other sites loaded with tons of food and medicine for the distressed Biafran population. Uli airstrip was the site were brave American pilots like Alex Nicoll and Scores of others flying often at tree-level at the cover of darkness made the supreme sacrifice in the service of humanity (

44 44 Old Anambra state was created in 1976 from part of east central state, and its capital was Enugu. A further state creation exercise by the then regime of general Ibrahim Babangida on 27 th August 1991 divided Anambra into two states, Anambra and Enugu. The capital of Anambra state is Awka. The main towns of Anambra state are Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, Ihiala, Aguata, Uli, Abagana, Alor, Atani, Nkpor, Umuoji, Umunachi, Umudioka, Unubi, Umunya, Umuleri, Aguleri, Oba, Ojoto, Eziowele, Igboukwu, Ichi, Ichida, Oraifite, Ozubulu, Otuocha, Nnobi, Adazi Nnukwu, Adazi-Enu, Adazi-Ani, Nanka, Nibo, among others. The state is rich in natural gas, crude oil, bauxite, ceramics and almost 100 percent arable soil. However, most of its natural resources remain largely untapped. On the other hand, the state is blessed with varieties of cultural resources ranging from material to non-material cultural resources. It is pertinent to note that some of these cultural resources are harnessed for tourism development in the state. 3.3 Socio-Economic/Cultural Activities A) Agriculture Anambra state has a total of about 4, 844 square kilometers of landmass. Roughly, 70% of the land is rich for agricultural production in which virtually every tropical crop can thrive. Because of this enormous potential in terms of land suitability, about 75% of the populations are engaged in profitable agriculture, engaging themselves in the production of food crops, tree crops, livestock and fisheries (Ezeani, 2007).

45 45 The various administrations realized the immerse importance of agriculture as the major source of employment in the state, particularly in the rural areas where the economy is still at the subsistence level. The state is a repository of agricultural potential because of its land texture and congenial climate. The predominantly agricultural areas are Anambra west and east, Aguata, Awka north, Ayamelum, Oyi, Ogbaru, Orumba north, and south local government areas; while the various sub-sectors of agriculture like crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry are areas of agricultural potentials. Cognizance of the invaluable contribution of agriculture towards national economy, the state government and World Bank offers assistance and guidance to prospective investors in agriculture through various forms of programmes/projects. These agricultural incentives include: Agricultural Support Services; Agricultural Extension Services; Agricultural Financing, Credit and Insurance Scheme, and Agricultural Mechanization. Apart from agriculture, the people are very industrious and most of the industrial base of the state is private sector driven, spanning from agro-allied, automobile and manufacturing situated mostly in the Nnewi industrial belt. Onitsha market is reputed to be the biggest in West Africa. B) Culture The main cultural features of Anambra state are the family, their belief system and festival celebrations. There is also the extended family group or

46 46 Umunna which is made up of a number of individual households, which claim descent from a common father. This common father usually was a son of the founding father of the village. Members of the same Umunna or extended family are not allowed to inter-marry. Sex relation is also a taboo. In Anambra state as a whole, the man is generally and undisputedly accepted as the head of the family. The members of his family answer his name and he has the responsibility of providing for his family. For the Anambra woman, she plays an indispensable and important role, both in her family and community. Her role includes biological, social and political functions. Anambra people are highly religious. Despite the advent of Christianity, traditional religion is still practiced by some. The people believe in one Supreme God known by various names such as Chineke (the creator), Chukwu (the big god), Chukwu Abiama etc. There are also minor gods and spirits. Closely tied up with their belief system are festival observances. Festivals in Anambra state are occasions set apart by communities or groups or individuals for the commemoration of one important event or the other in the life of the community or individuals. Thus, a journey across Anambra state yields very rich and rewarding insight into Igbo life. There are many attractions like traditional festivals, historical sites, shrines, ancestral/ceremonial houses and craft shops. There are others such as sacred squares, streams, lakes, hills, caves and museums. However, the most important and popular cultural attractions in the state are the traditional festivals.

47 47 Festivals are held all the year round with variations in periodicity and are usually celebrated with pomp, pageantry, music and dance some of the most significant festivals are mmanwu or masquerade and new yam festivals. C) Tourism Tourism potentials for development abound in Anambra state. Agulu Lake in Agulu, Amamputu Lake in Uli, the Ogbunike cave in Ogbunike, the Ogba cave in Ajalla and the Rojenny Tourist Center in Oba etc. are among the tourist potentials of the state. Potentially, rich investment harvest also abounds in the Art Gallery of Nimo in Njikoka local government area; the Anambra shrine and the Nibo Awka in Awka south local government area. There is the Obu Ofor Nri at Igwe Osita Agwuna s palace Enugu Ukwu. The Odinani museum in Nri in Anaocha local government area was jointly established by the community and the department of African Studies, University of Ibadan; while the Igbo-Ukwu Museum was established by the Anambra state government. The museums serve as repository of archaeological findings and which date back to the history of the towns. There are other cultural landmarks among the towns in Orumba North and South local government areas. 3.4 Socio-Political Organization of Anambra State The executive authority of the state is vested in a civilian governor elected by the people of the state in a general election. There is a State Executive Council

48 48 that comprises the state governor (as Chairman), the deputy governor, eleven commissioners, four special advisers and the secretary to the state government. There are also usually in attendance, the Head of Service and some Special Assistants. There are fifteen Ministries in Anambra state; these are: Ministries of Agriculture; Economic Planning; Environment; Mineral Resources; Science and Technology; Justice; women Affairs; Youths and Sports; Commerce and Industry; Education; Finance and Budget; Information and Culture; Public Utilities, Water Resources and Community Development; Works and Housing. Among the four major offices in the government house are the offices of the Commissioner for Special Duties and Transport, Office of the Secretary of the State Government, Office of the Chief of Staff and Office of the Head of Service. The governor s office is the coordinating center for government ministries, departments and parastatals. The local governments are the third tier of government in Nigeria. There are twenty-one local government councils in the state, each headed by an elected chairman. These are: Aguata, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South, Ayamelum, Dunukofia, Ekwusigo, Idemili North, Idemili South, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Orumba North, Orumba South, and Oyi. The pre-colonial Anambra State like other Igbo societies has a unique was of running their own system of government. The smallest unit of traditional socio-

49 49 political organization among Anambra people was the Umunna. Members of Umunna consisted of individual households, which descended from one father. The head of each Umunna was called Okpara, the eldest surviving male. Next to Umunna is the Nkpuru, which is made up of various Umunna. At the lineage level, functions are rested in the hands of the Ichie (often the eldest adult mate in the lineage). He held the lineage Ofo. The Onye-ichie by virtue of his age and office became both spiritual and political head of their respective villages. The Onye-ichie is in charge of all the family shrines, and is saluted Ichie as part of his spiritual and ritual authority. Finally, another prominent organ of authority is Umuada. They are titled women born in Anambra State. The council of Umuada is a very useful and strong institution for social control. They made laws that controlled women. For example, the council makes and enforces laws that a widow must not be outside her compound, must not take her bath and must not change her cloth until after the period of her mourning. According to our informants, any one repudiating the authority of the council of Umuada would be punished by the priest and titled men to whom Umuada would take the case.

50 50 CHAPTER FOUR DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS 4.1 Data Presentation: A Survey of Tourist Attractions in Anambra State Tourism today is seen as discretionary socio-cultural and economic activity, which requires the movement of people from their places of abode to places of interest. Nigeria is gradually but steadily moving into the main stream of the worldwide race to develop tourism. For this reason, the various state governments are beginning to integrate tourism into their development plans to be used as strategy for improved economy to beautify the environment and to raise the social life of the people. The three selected study areas in Anambra state are not left out of this consciousness. These study areas are endowed with many tourist attractions yet untapped and as days go by, there is the demand on interested individuals and government to come and harness them and put them into better use. These tourist products are dotted all over the places. A vivid description of the various places of interest and the mode of life of the people give a visitor an insight into what to expect in such sites. The tourism attractions of these three study areas could be classified to fall under these categories: natural and cultural attractions Delimitation of Tourism Attractions Tourism attractions are divided into two namely natural and cultural attractions. Natural attractions include the material gift of nature like mountains,

51 51 streams, minerals, soils, groves, animals and plants. Cultural attractions refer to those rich non-material and material attributes acquired within the society and transmitted through generations; among them are the diverse beliefs, festivals, architectures, shrines, dances, drama, iron working, wood and stone carving etc., characteristics of a given society. Some of these resources may remain in actual use as do some historic and ethnographic materials, or they may consist only of partial remains and the traces of past use, as with archaeological site (Lipe, 1984). Anambra state is blessed with a wide range of potential tourist attractions. Her diverse rich ecological feature and dynamic cultural heritage have special appeals to various classes of tourists. These tourist resources fall under two main categories: natural features and cultural features Natural Attractions in Anaocha Local Government Area 1) Agulu Lake in Anaocha Local Government Area Lake according to Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary of current English is a large area of water that is surrounded by land. Agulu as one of the towns that made up Anaocha area of Anambra State covers an area of approximately 60 square kilometers. Agulu is located within Latitude North and Longitude East. Agulu is bounded in the East by Awgbu and Nanka, in the West by Obeledu and Adazi-Nnukwu and in the South by Aguluzigbo. Agulu Lake is located in the western part of Agulu in Umuawelle village and it is popularly called Eze Oyetora, Ezu Agulu or Ezu Umuowelle. It is a natural lake that covers about 7 square kilometers. Agulu Lake lies between Agulu

52 52 and Nri communities. It is surrounded by mainly bamboo tree (Oxytamathera abyssinicia) and other flora species. It also has a level of virgin land mass of about 44 square kilometers, which is good for the establishment of recreational facilities like resort hotel, shopping complex, picnics section, excursion and golf course. The Lake has a depth of about 8.11 meters, which enable boating and fishing activities. Agulu Lake is cold in the afternoon, with the water temperature of about 12 0 and slightly warm in the morning and evening with water temperature of between 31 0 C and 32 0 C respectively. The following fauna can be found in the area: Python (Python sanae), Guniea Fowl (Numidian melegaris), Turtle and Nile crocodile (Crocodilus nilotus). There is a rest house close to the lake owned by Mr. Rapheal Obi. It is a two storey building dedicated to the gods of the lake with impressive design. The house is a conglomeration of all religious sets, which offers free bed accommodation to visitors that come there to pray in the chapel. There are many other lakes in Agulu, which includes Ezumgbii Lake, and Ezuomelagh or Idemili Omelagha.

53 53 Plate 2: A Side View of Agulu Lake 2) Agulu/Nanka Erosion Site According to Onyema (2005) the Agulu/Nanka erosion site is a gully of about two hundred (200) meters deep and an extensive site covering several square kilometers. The site has attracted and has continued to attract tourists from outside the country. The scene is unique for relaxation and viewing. There are many other erosion site in Agulu, these includes the Ududonka and Haaba erosion site found within the shrine of Haaba deity, Okpu-ifite erosion gulley etc. Plate 3: Haaba Erosion Site in Agulu

54 54 Plate 4: Okpu Erosion Site in Agulu. 3) Erosion sites in Aguata Local Government Area Aguata local government is characterized by the gully type of erosion scattered at different towns and communities in Aguata local government. Apart from rain water which is a common factor of erosion in the rain forest zone, the causes of erosion in Aguata local government area can generally be attributed to: (i) the topography of the area (ii) the soil type the Aguata sand type (iii) the actor and nature of the flood (iv) land use or human activities etc. The towns and communities affected by erosion menace in Aguata local government are as follow: A) Ekwulobia Erosion Site: This community is besieged by more than six active and advanced gullies. One of the prominent sites is along Ekwulobia Oko road. Much of the flood water that rushes into this site emanates from upland areas of Ikenga, Umuona, Isuofia, Nanka, Ezinifite towns etc. By the time the flood water has reached Ekwulobia, they gained incredible momentum and this becomes

55 55 ferocious gully; lives and properties are lost regularly. The state government has spent a lot of money in their efforts to combat the problem. Plate 5: Ekwulobia-Oko Erosion Site B) Igboukwu Erosion Site: The prominent erosion site in this town is located at St. Patrick s road linking Nnewi highway and Igboukwu Ezinifite Uga Umuchu road. This erosion site is a result of flood water from different towns in Aguata. Plate 6: Igboukwu Erosion Site

56 56 C) Umuchu Erosion Site: Umuchu has about seven gully erosion sites. One of the most prominent site is along Nkwo Umuchu market square to Umunze town. Much of the flood water that rushed into this site emanate from upland areas of Akpo, Uga, Aguluezechukwu etc. Plate 7: Nkwo Umuchu Erosion Site D) Aguluezechukwu Erosion Site: This town has more than five gullies. The prominent one is located within Girls Secondary School and Aguata High School all in Aguluezechukwu. Plate 8: Aguluezechukwu Erosion Site

57 57 E) Uga Erosion Sites: The prominent erosion sites in the town are located at the access road to Obizi Uga water scheme in Uga town. 4) Otuto Nwaka Anyaano Dry Valley in Aguata Local Government Area This valley is the most unique landscapes in Aguata local Government. It is situated in Igboukwu area. This dry valley is believed to have been wet during the Pleistocene era but changes in weather. The Nwaka (dwarfs) from Oraeri, dumped there along with their curious belongings when they die gave the site the name Otutu Nwaka (where the dwarfs are laid to rest). This valley is a large piece of land and up till now it has not been fully occupied by the people because of the legend associated with it. It is believed that anybody that lived or lives there dies a mysterious and childless death. This was proved by the story that a man by name Umechukwu tried to live there, but he died off mysteriously and childless also. There are other natural attractions in Aguata, which includes Nwangwo spring water, Oturu River, Nwaokwara and Aghumaa Lake Natural Attractions in Nnewi South Local Government Area Prominent natural attractions in Nnewi south local government area are sacred groves and streams. A) Sacred Groves: Sacred groves serve purposes that transcend the spiritual, to the educational and social and which play a role in the conservation of genetic heritage. They usually harbour a wide variety of fauna and flora maintained by

58 58 strong traditional authorities and reinforced by a number of social sanctions that limit their excessive extraction. In many instances, many groves assume sacredness because of the attendant shrines. According to Njikerken (1997) a single tree within a grove often forms the focal point of ceremonies but the entire grove itself is considered sacred. It is instructive that a grove may or may not be worshipped (Okpoko, 2001). In the past, some groves in Nnewi used to be set aside for burying good and bad people. Those who suffered from strange ailments, people who died of evil deeds, sorcerers and twins were buried in the bad bush (Ajo-ofia). Amongst the groves in Nnewi South are Ogwugwu, Okwu-Eze, Udo-Ukpor, Igwe Amadim, Amadioha sacred groves etc. These groves shall be examined below. A) Ogwugwu Sacred Grove: The grove is located very close to Ogwugwu shrine and owned by Ogwugwu deity (one of the most powerful deity in Ukpor town known for providing security and protection for the people of Ukpor). Various spiritual and ritual activities go on in and around this grove especially during festivals. Ethnographic sources revealed that in the olden days when somebody s death is suspected to have been caused by the gods, such dead bodies are being carried and deposited into the forest. The people under this category are people who must have committed an abominable act against the land and the shrine. Such crimes are highly rated and are regarded as unforgivable by the gods. This may also be the people who committed sacrilege against the gods, such as stealing property of the gods; thus, at the point of their death, they are thrown into the

59 59 forest because they are regarded as evil. Also, the properties owned by such people are equally carried to the shrine because, it is believed that when somebody commits sacrilege and receives the penalty (which is death), that both the corpse and his properties becomes the property of the deity responsible for his/her death including lands, houses, and other properties of the deceased. There are some other crimes against the tradition that one could commit, though not as grievous or significant as stealing from the gods, which may result in the death of the offender; not because the only penalty for such offence is death, but, because people have stubbornly refused to appease or make some sacrifices to the gods for atonement of their sins. The death of such persons is usually mysterious and when divination is made concerning such death, it is usually found out that he has committed an abominable act against the gods. Plate 9: Ogwugwu Sacred Grove, Ukpor

60 60 B) Mmiri Agu stream: Mmiri Agu stream is located at Umudara in Ukpor community. This stream is surrounded by different types of fruits like cashew (Anacardium occidentale), Paw-paw (Carica papaya), guava (Psidium guajara) etc. These fruits usually attract a lot of people to the stream, which causes constant fetching of water from stream. This stream contains fishes, water snake, tortoise etc, which when taken out from the water can cause disaster in the village. The people believe that whenever the goddess is not happy with them, strange things happen in the village such as constant deaths or strange disease afflicting the people, and in order to avert these disasters, sacrifices are usually offered to appease the goddess of the stream. Also, if anyone kills any animal from the stream either by commission or omission must go to another stream and bring the same animal and replace it by throwing it into the stream. Plate 10: Mmiri Agu Stream in Umudara, Ukpor

61 Cultural Attractions in Anaocha Local Government Area A) Odinani Museum in Nri: Odinani museum was established on 18 th March 1972 by a great anthropologist and ethnographer Professor M.A Onwuejeogwu of University of Ibadan. Odinani museum is a joint project undertaken by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan and Nri town represented by Nri Progress Union (N.P.U) under the leadership of late Chief M.O Mbolu. Odinani museum is located at Agbadama village and it is a big story building that was built in the center of Nri town. The museum contains cultural materials that represent the past activities of man in Nri. Plate 11: A Statue of a Typical Nri Man in Nri Museum

62 62 Plate 12: Eze Nri Royal Crown with Eight Feathers B) Mma-Nka Arts and Cultural Festival in Neni: Mma-nka Arts and Cultural Festival are done by the people of Umudioka village in Neni town. The name Umudioka means children of an artist or artistic children. Umudioka is so artistic that the village is now synonymous with the name of chief tool with which the Dioka perform his art. During the Mma-nka festival, masquerades are in attendance performing acrobatic display, magical powers and entertainment to its audience. Furthermore, a popular traditional dancers/music known locally as Egwu ichi usually entertain people during the festival. Umudioka village can be described as the reservoir of entertainments in Neni town during the Mma-nka festival.

63 63 C) Cultural Dances in Aguata Local Government Area Dance is one of the best sources of entertainment in Aguata Local Governmnet and also one of the best sources of physical exercise. There were so many types of dances, which came and went with different generations from time immemorial. It was the type of dance that was popular during people s life time that they danced. These cultural dances attract people from afar to Aguata Local Government. Some of the cultural dances in Aguata are Ikoro dance, Atilogwu dance, Odenigwe dance, Ugobueze dance, Egedege dance, Ekpe dance etc. These shall be examined briefly. i) Ikoro Dance: This is used for chieftaincy coronation and also for those who have performed spectacular feast dance in the olden days. ii) Atilogwu Dance: This dance involves a lot of acrobatic display and it is a dance by young men and women. iii) Odenigwe Dance: This dance was organized by women of years. It is one of the most celebrated dances in Aguata and is used during the burial of elderly people. iv) Ugobueze Dance: This is used when a rich man want to open his new house or when a chieftaincy title is been taking. v) Egedege Dance: This dance is been performed by women of almost a particular age bracket of years. It is danced during cultural festivals such as Zuzugbo obodo festival etc.

64 64 vi) Ekpe Dance: This is a war dance, danced by warriors when they are ready to attack their opponent. More often, warriors sing and dance ekpe on return from a victorious war. vii) New Yam Festival in Aguata Local Government Area: Yam festivals are thanksgiving festivals otherwise known by different names among various communities that make up Aguata local government area. The ceremony is variously known as emume-ifejioku, iwa-ji, emume-iriji, ahajioku etc (Ukachukwu, 2007). This all-important festival is celebrated to usher in the new yam and any Aguata man worth his salt can never eat new yam before the celebration of the new yam festival. It should be noted that yam festival is generally celebrated not only in Aguata local government area, Anambra state, but also in many parts of Igboland. Yam festival is held in honour of the deity associated with yam. It is a period of thanksgiving to the god of yam/harvest for bountiful yam harvest. It is an important activity that takes place around August and September each year according to traditional calendar. The festival starts at individual homes and later to a central place and it is done on Oye market day. During the New Yam festival different types of dances are in attendance, masquerade display, and also a period when young boys were initiated into the masquerade cult. Presently, yam festival in Aguata has been turned into a tourist attraction by Anambra State government and so it is now a State celebration (Emejulu, 2003).

65 65 Plate 13: Atilogwu Dance in Aguata Plate 14: Odenigwe Dance in Aguata

66 66 Plate 15: Egedege Dance Plate 16: Roasting of New Yams

67 67 Plate 17: Cutting and Declaration of New Yams as Suitable for Eating Plate 18: Titled Men Performing During Yam Festival (D) Abandoned Settlements in Nnewi South Local Government Area In Nnewi South Local Government Area due to advent of civilization and modernization in Nnewi south, many mud houses with thatched roofs are progressively being abandoned. Some of them (mud house) are either abandoned or demolished so as to give way for modern structures.

68 68 Few of these mud houses were seen in Ukpor and interior part of Azia. Since the houses are built from unfired courses of puddle mud, the estimate time could last in 20 years maximum without a major repair but they could last over 20 years maximum without a major repair but they could last over 70 years with constant attention. However, McIntosh (1974) has provided much evidence from the process of determination of mud walls in contemporary West African village (Hani in Western Ghana) which has provided a value in interpreting similar occurrences in Nnewi south. As these abandoned houses lack adequate care and maintenance and as a result most of them disintegrate, crack, and dilapidate thereby causing rapid accumulation of mound which gives rise to potential sites. However, accumulation of mud forming mounds occurs each time the house is reconstructed from collapsing nature. In Nnewi south mud houses are mainly renovated during the rainy seasons and moulds result from the liberated unbaked mud wall which has broken into smaller pallets and are spread above the present living floor of the time of demolition. Thus, the living floors continues to increase in layer after layer as these process alternate successively over years or centuries. When any layer of living floor is being used, the processes by which potential materials as post deposited into grounds as well as post disposition process by which they are disturbed will begin to operate. Some of the processes include dropping, discard, tampered upon by human feet or domesticated animal

69 69 hoofs. Potential materials that could be found in abandoned habitation sites may include potsherds, beads, cowries and bones of animals or birds, iron implements which may also include discarded kitchen utensils like spoon, plates, hoes and knives (Olives and Paul, 1978). All these can be collected and kept in a museum for proper harnessing, conservation and documentation. Plate 19: Abandoned Settlement in Umuhu Village, Ukpor Plate 20: Abandoned Settlement in Umunuko Village, Ukpor

70 70 E) Festivals in Nnewi South Local Government Area In Nnewi south, there are many festivals, some of which are observable by a few villages only, whilst others are by the entire Nnewi south people. All deities of great importance have important festivals which people observe in their names, whilst others have a times mere offerings and sacrifices. It is not all public deities that have festivals observed in their honour by all Nnewi south people. It is also essential to note that not all domestic deities have festivals not observed in their honour by the entire people. Ndi-ichie, for example is a home deity but has a festival observable to it by all, whereas a public deity like Uzukpe has festival observable to it by only a section of the people. Some festivals are shared amongst many deities, whilst others are a monopoly of others. Ogwugwu festival for example, is observed primarily to Ogwugwu deity but other deities have some share in it. But a festival like Okuka meaning superiority is a monopoly of a single deity and that is Udo-Ukpor. Among the festivals in Nnewi souths are: i) Ikwu Aru Festival: Ikwu Aru festival is done in honour of Ogwugwu deity the most important deity in Nnewi south. The festival is observable by all married men and women although not at the same time. Men observe it every eight years, which is every nine native years, whilst the women observe it every two years, which is three native years. Preparations for Ikwu Aru festival start when it is about six months ahead. Sacrifices are offered to various Ogwugwu shrines in Nnewi south. As the festival draws nearer, several meetings are held at the premises of Ogwugwu square.

71 71 During the meeting, four sorcerers each from one of the four quarters of Nnewi inform the people about the meeting and they will be informed what Ogwugwu wants them to do for her. These sorcerers are paid about two shillings (twenty kobo) which is contributed by the four Chiefs of the four quarters of Nnewi south. Usually, Ikwu Aru festival falls in January or February but whenever elders fail to get things in order on time, it fall in March or April. ii) Okuka Festival: Okuka which means superiority is a festival observed in the honour of Udo-Ukpor shrine to demonstrate his occupation of a status unattainable by any others. The adour with which the festival is observed is great in all Nnewi south. It is greater in Azia but is greatest in Ukpor where Udo-ukpor lives. The festival holds once in September of every year. History has it that in 1955, it was celebrated twice, because Udo-ukpor complained that during the first observance, women did not put on decent dresses and men neither masqueraded no danced as they ought to have done. As a result, all the Ukpor indigenes fixed a day and repeated the celebration in the way the deity wanted it. On the day of the festival at Udo-Ukpor square, chief priests of Udo-ukpor go early to deposit chalk at his shrine and offer Kola nut (Cola acuminata) to it. At about three o clock when actual celebrations begin, women appear in their best dresses, and do the Itu ukwe whilst girls do the Iru ubene and Igbu uga dances men on their part do different dances including masquerading. Different kinds of food are being prepared during the festival.

72 72 Plate 21: Okuka Festival Arena in Ukpor, Nnewi South L.G.A 4.2 Data Analysis One point that may be made with some certainty is that a wider and more in-depth study of the cultural and natural attractions and other attractions could provide a richer insight into culture and indeed history of the people. One condition is necessary for such an accomplishment which is the interaction with the people. Cultural attractions in our study areas provide an opportunity for the feast makers to renew their social and spiritual solidarity among their living and departed relatives through exchange of gift and commensality. For example, the living in remembrance of their obligation to the supernatural beings are motivated to work harder to earn what to offer in sacrifice to the super-human agents and thus, share with their human agents. More so, because of the emphasis put on probity and patience deviant behaviour is discouraged in those who can not meet

73 73 any of their obligations in particular edition of the festival and may wait to be assured that other opportunities exist in the future. It is not only that commensality is enjoined in aspects of culture, it also encourages sharing among people regardless of their economic status, it also encourages discipline in prescribing what parts of the sacrificed animals are to be brought out for enjoyment of the group, such groups have other social obligations binding them for instance, corporate or communal ownership, funeral solidarity, clarification with one another before a common threat, and so on. Anthropologists, inclined to the social evolutionary school are likely to see the exchange of gifts that occurs in cultural festival in our three study areas, in contradistinction to commensality perse as a survival of a pre-capitalist moneyless. Economy when barter or related reciprocal systems were the only options, under these the essence of a social practice or institution is in its contribution to social continuity. In other words Gift exchange practiced in cultural festivals in our study areas ought properly to be seen for its synchronic relevance. It strengthens ties among kith and kin and in some cases helps those who otherwise could not have afforded to join their fellows in merry making. For everyone, such an expression of solidarity renews one s interest in the social network and strengthens hope in life itself. The natural attractions found in our three study areas equally demonstrated opportunities for providing a multiplier effects in areas of job creation, revenue generation, socio-cultural integration, poverty alleviation etc. All these could be

74 74 achieved on the recommendation that some of our natural attractions like the Agulu lake, Oturu river, Nwaokwara stream etc can be harnessed by providing tourism infrastructure and superstructure for tourism development Statistical Analysis of Tourist Arrivals at the Various Attractions in Anambra State Natural Tourist Attraction Table 1: Statistics of Tourists Arrivals at Natural Attractions in the Study Areas from January December, 2008 Months Agulu Lake Agulu/Nanka Erosion Site Otuto Nwaka Dry Valley Aguata Erosion Sites Ogwugwu Sacred Grove Mmiri Agu Stream January February March April May June July August September October November December Total Grand total = = Source: Anambra State Tourism Committee (2009).

75 75 Figure 5: A Pie Chart of Tourist Arrivals at the Natural Attractions in the Study Areas from January December, 2008 Mmiri Agu Stream 331 Agulu Lake 437 Ogwugwu Sacred Grove 414 Aguata Erosion Sites 330 Agulu/Nanka Erosion Site 143 Otuto Nwaka Dry Valley 93 Table 2: Statistics of Tourist Arrivals at Natural Attractions from January December, Months Agulu Lake Agulu/ Nanka Erosion Site Otuto Nwaka Dry Valley Aguata Erosion Site Ogwugwu Sacred Grove Mmiri Agu Stream January February March April May June July August September October November December Total Grand total = = Source: Anambra State Tourism Committee (2010).

76 No. of Tourists 76 Figure 6: A Bar Chart of Tourist Arrivals at the Natural Attractions from January December, Agulu Lake Agulu/Nanka Erosion Site Otuto Nwaka Dry Valley Aguata Erosion Sites Respondents Ogwugwu Sacred Grove Mmiri Agu Stream In table one available statistics of tourist received in identified natural tourism potentials of Anambra state from January to December in 2008 shows that Agulu lake received 437 tourists, Agulu/ Nanka erosion site 143 tourists, Otuto Nwaka dry valley 93 tourists, Aguata erosion site 330 tourists, Ogwugwu sacred grove 414 tourists and Mmiri Agu stream 331 tourists respectively bringing the total to 1748 tourists. From the table, Agulu Lake received the highest number of tourists. This is because of its indispensable service such as its ability to produce white soft and sharp sand for building, lateritious, fishes, sacrifices and other sea creatures and above all is the water it provide all year round for both domestic and industrial consumption. Table two shows a great decline in the number of tourists that visited the natural sites in From the table Agulu lake received 461 tourists, Agulu/Nanka erosion site received 73 tourists, Otuto Nwaka dry valley received

77 tourists, Aguata erosion site received 86 tourists and Mmiri Agu stream received 118 tourists respectively making the total of 1206 tourists. This great decline in the number of tourist visits to natural sites in Anambra state from 1748 in 2008 to 1206 in 2009 is attributed to lack of awareness resulting from improper promotional strategies in marketing tourism potentialities in the study areas. Again, poor funding of Local Government Tourism Committees and lack of tourism infrastructures contributed to the decline in the number of tourists in the study areas as reflected in the above tables. In this analysis therefore, we argue here that a truly successful visitor destination is one that is concerned more with visitor quality than quantity. The quality visitor is the one that is most likely to repeat the visit and to respect the visited environment both natural and man-made. Furthermore, to achieve this, the attractions need to be repositioned for sustainable tourism development through provision of adequate tourism facilities, good access road, favorable environment/atmosphere as well as achievable tourism policies.

78 Cultural Tourist Attractions Table 3: Statistics of Tourist Arrivals at the Various Cultural Attractions in Our Study Areas from January to December, 2008 Months Odinani Mmanka Cultural New Festivals Museum Arts and Dances Yam Cultural Festival Festival January February March April May June July August September October November December Total Total = = Source: Anambra State Tourism Committee (2009). Figure 7: A Pie Chart of Tourism Receipts from Cultural Figure 7: Pie Chart of Tourist Arrivals at the Various Cultural Attractions Attractions in Our in Our Study Study Areas from January to to December, December, Festivals, 160 Odinani Museum, 448 New Yam Festival, 400 Cultural Dances, 230 Mmanka Arts and Cultural Festival, 202

79 79 Table 4: Statistics of Tourist Arrivals at the Various Cultural Attractions from January December, 2009 Months Odinani Mmanka Cultural New Festival Museum Arts and Dances Yam Cultural Festival Festival January February March April May June July August September October November December Total Grand total = = 998. Source: Anambra State Tourism Committee (2010). Figure 8: A Bar Chart of Tourist Arrivals at the Various Cultural Attractions from January December, 2009