DEVELOPMENT OF ECOTOURISM IN NASARAWA STATE: A CASE STUDY OF EGGON MOUNTAINS AND CAVES NASARAWA EGGON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Abstract

Tourism is a complex activity that results from the combination of different industries such as hospitality, transportation, entertainment, accommodations, etc. Tourism is one of the most important, profitable economic activities that generates income and also creates many job opportunities. The research study evaluate Eggon mountains and caves ecotourism. The specific objectives were to identify the development potentials of ecotourism of Eggon mountains and caves sites, identify the effects of ecotourism development and sustainable tourism on socioeconomic development and evaluate ecotourism attraction. The research is a developing one. Data were gathered through interviews, field work, magazines, documents, internet and observation. The study used  qualitative approach to gain deeper knowledge of the study’s objectives. Data collected were analayse through data preparations i.e editing, presentation, pictorial. The study’s findings identified natural, historical and religious attractions areas of the study. Also areas of possibilities and capacities of Eggon mountains and caves  were identified eg variety of biological and ecological features which can provide significant economic profits, potential possibilities in agriculture of the study area and handcrafts of the villages i.e basket and mat weaving, pottery etc. Moreso, the findings identified shortage and problems for tourism development in the area of nonoccupation of youth in meaningful profitable ventures, locals don’t have financial ability to restore traditional values, non-suitable centers for providing needs of tourists, no souvenir shops and nonpolicy document or strategy for tourism development in the study area. Therefore, the study recommended that there should be national and state strategic plan for ecotourism development, tourist demand and supply must be adequately analyse in the study area.