The Impact of Community-Based Tourism on Sustainable Development: Example of Owu Waterfalls, Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2025-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Development and Society
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.
Description
This study centers around community involvement in tourism development. It emphasises the adoption of CBT model for sustainable tourism development at Owu Waterfall, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Keywords
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