The Impact of Community-Based Tourism on Sustainable Development: Example of Owu Waterfalls, Kwara State, Nigeria
| dc.contributor.author | Folorunso, Olusola Samsom | |
| dc.contributor.author | Akande, Olumuyiwa Abimbola | |
| dc.contributor.author | Ukpokolo, Chinyere | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-23T10:25:26Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-02-23T10:25:26Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-12 | |
| dc.description | This study investigates the role of CBT in promoting the sustainable development of Owu Waterfalls, emphasizing community involvement, socioeconomic benefits, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. This will help to align the development of Owu Waterfalls with the principles of CBT, the site could serve not only as a sustainable tourist attraction but also as a driver of socio-economic advancement for the host community. This study is guided by three main objectives, which are to: examine the level of community participation in the management and conservation of Owu Waterfalls; to assess the socio-economic benefits of tourism development to the local community around Owu Waterfalls; and to identify the key challenges affecting community-based tourism implementation at the site. | |
| dc.description.abstract | Community-based tourism (CBT) is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for achieving sustainable tourism development, particularly in culturally and ecologically significant destinations. Owu Waterfall in Owa-Kajola, Kwara State, Nigeria, holds vast potential for tourism development, yet the extent of local community participation in its management and conservation remains unclear. This study explores the role of CBT in the sustainable development of Owu Waterfall, focusing on community involvement, socio-economic benefits, and identifying existing challenges. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to community members, local business operators, and tourists. Key informant interviews were conducted with tourism stakeholders, including government officials, conservation experts, selected tourists, and community members. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions and percentages, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic and descriptive analyses to capture perspectives on CBT in the study area. Findings revealed that community participation in the management and conservation of the Owu Waterfalls is limited, as external stakeholders, including government agencies and private investors, dominate decision-making processes. While tourism has created economic opportunities in the area, these benefits are unevenly distributed, with residents receiving a minimal share of the economic benefits. Infrastructural deficits, poor management, and disputes over resource control hinder the full realization of tourism development in the community. The study concludes that a more inclusive tourism framework is necessary to harness the benefits of CBT at Owu Waterfalls. It recommends the establishment of participatory governance structures, improved revenue-sharing formula, and targeted investments in infrastructure and conservation initiatives. Collaboration between government bodies, private investors, and local communities, can help tourist sites transform into a model for sustainable tourism development. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Folorunso, O. S., Akande, O. A. and Ukpokolo, C. (2025). The Impact of Community-Based Tourism on Sustainable Development: Example of Owu Waterfalls, Kwara State, Nigeria. Journal of Development and Society, (7)1, ISSN: 0331-000 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 0331-000 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://kwasuspace.kwasu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/6520 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Journal of Development and Society | |
| dc.relation.ispartofseries | 7; 1 | |
| dc.title | The Impact of Community-Based Tourism on Sustainable Development: Example of Owu Waterfalls, Kwara State, Nigeria | |
| dc.type | Article |