Developing Heritage Tourism in Nasarawa State, Nigeria *Fimber
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African Scholar VOL. 17 NO. 2 Publications & ISSN: 2010-1086 Research MARCH, 2020 International African Scholar Journal of African Sustainable Development (JASD-2) The Way Forward: Developing Heritage Tourism in Nasarawa State, Nigeria *Fimber Stephen Agbu **Fatima Raji *Department Of Leisure And Tourism Management, School Of Science And Technology, Nasarawa State Polytechnic, P.M.B 109, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. **Department Of Hospitality Management, School Of Science And Technology, Nasarawa State Polytechnic, P.M.B 109, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Abstract Nigeria no doubt is endowed with fascinating tourism potentials i.e. natural, historic, towns and highly diversified cultural resource which represents a people’s traditions, beliefs and lifestyles, festivals and ceremonies, vegetation and landscape. This study identified and assessed the heritage tourism potential of Nasarawa State, Nigeria as a way forward for sustainable tourism development in the state. Structured questionnaire, interview guide for key in-formats, documents and personal observation were used for data collection in the area of study target population. Stratified and purposive random sampling techniques were employed in the selected samples. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentages, tables, photographs and maps. The study findings mapped and identified heritage sites in the area of study for development. Also responses from the sampled population of study revealed benefits the local communities stands to reap if the heritage sites were developed among which are income generation from tourism businesses, conservation and protection of both flora and fauna and infrastructural development. However, from the study the researchers identified major problem that hinders heritage tourism development in the area of study, to include; the public lack of awareness, communication on 267 [email protected] 2019 the significance of preservation of these heritage sites, negative human activity due to absences of strong legislations, infrastructural and funding problems. To overcome the identified problems and way forward the study recommends; that Nasarawa State Government should put in place workable institutional framework for tourism development in the State. There should be collaboration between Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and host communities for tourism development. Lastly, funding is the bedrock of any successful development as such government and stakeholders should provide adequate funds and support for this inexhaustible industry. Keywords: heritage resources, preservation, conservation, tourism, development. Introduction Tourism over the years has proven to has distinctively unique and be a surprisingly strong and resilient interesting Heritage resources to offer economic activity and a fundamental tourism demand. contributor to economic growth of In Nigeria, tourism is will nations by generating billions of acknowledged as one of the fastest dollars in exports and creating growing and important industries that millions of jobs (Yusuff and Akinde, can enhance economic growth and it 2015). has become one of the impetuses Nigeria with a landmarks of about behind economic development effort 923.733sgkm2 is Africa’s most in both urban and rural areas. populous nation with about (UNWTO, 2013, WTO, 2006) 160million people as at year 2006 Tourism has become a key strategy to census. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic generate economic, social, and groups and each of them is identified environmental benefits to with a unique Heritage tourism. By communities, foster community implication, the diversities of development, and alleviate poverty. Nigeria’s ethnic groups are (Tijjani, 2005). However, Heritage manifestation of the environmental tourism an aspect of tourism that relies differences of the nationals that more on using the natural and cultural inhabit the land. Each state in Nigeria relics of a people to promote tourism 268 [email protected] 2019 in their area. For a better economic growth and sustainability. This aspect of tourism has proven more viable in Africa owing to its rich cultural and natural heritage. (Ugwu & Hgueye, 2004; Nwanko and Ukaegbu, 2011). Dieke, (2005) define tourism development as an incremental, long-term process used in the comprehensive sense to include economic, socio-cultural and environmental process and issues related to tourism. Dieke further explained that tourism development describes how tourism take place, identifies genetic problem as reflected in the regulatory framework response to the problem focusing on policy formulating, tourism planning and implementation of plans for three major components of tourism development. Nasarawa State is highly prospective for growth and development considering its endowed heritage resources, which are unique and interesting to pull tourist demand. Sadly, the heritage tourism of the state have been left underdeveloped over the years owing to ignorance and neglect. This lack of interest toward the rich heritage resources is unacceptable owing to the fact, federal government of Nigeria looking for ways of diversifying the economy from it long dependent in the oil industry. This situation above has raised questions in the existence, significance and development of heritage tourism in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. It is this basis, the researchers undertook the study on the way forward, developing heritage tourism in Nasarawa State Nigeria. Area of Study Nasarawa State, one of the 36 states in Nigeria was created on 1st October, 1996 out of the present Plateau State. It is located at the North Central of Nigeria, lies in the Middle Belt region within latitude 80N to 90N and longitude 70C to 90E. Nasarawa State shares common borders with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja on the West, Kaduna State on the North, Plateau and Taraba State on the East, and Benue and Kogi State in the South. The area of study was suitable because, Nasarawa State is endowed with numerous heritage resources, like Farin Ruwa waterfall in Wamba local government area, Eggon Hills and caves in Nasarawa Eggon, Nzeh Mada festival in Akwanga, Odu festival in Doma, Gbagyi Gbojum in Karu to Mention a few. 269 [email protected] 2019 Map of the Study Area Figure 1: Source: FGN (2014) Figure 2: Map showing LGAs in Nasarawa State, Nigeria Source: NPC (2010) 270 [email protected] 2019 Several factors have necessitated the geographical outlook of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A major factor is climate. The state has a tropical rainy climate known as the wet season with distinct dry season in winter. The wet season prevail for a period of seven months, starts from the months of April and end in October. While the dry season starts from November and ends in the month of March. However, there is marked seasonal variation in temperature in the state as illustrated in figure 3. There is a gradual increase in temperature from January to March. The onset of rains in April ushers in a noticeable decline in temperature. (Akwa VL; Bimbo NL; Samarila K.J and Marcus N.D, 2007) Figure 3: Temperature Values for Nasarawa State Source: Akwa et al, (2007) There is also a noticeable increase in sunshine hours again by November; with its numerous natural gift in the Area of Study in the form of good relief, suitable climate, Nasarawa State, Nigeria definitely has the Heritage resources enough to attract both domestic and international travellers. Methodology The study was conducted in Nasarawa State, Nigeria to bring in focus major Heritage resources of the state for sustainable development. In view of this, quantitative and qualitative research approach was adapted. Survey design was the most appropriate methods through which the study obtained information. The research instrument employed here for data collection were structured questionnaire, interviews personal observation and documentaries. Stratified and purposive random sampling technique was used to assess the target population of the study who were deemed to be to be knowledgeable of the study. The target population include six local government areas; (Keana, Akwanga, Lafia, Wamba, Nasarawa, Doma and Nasarawa Eggon) where key 271 [email protected] 2019 in-formats of palace chief of the of the local government, directors Ministry of Local government and chieftaincy affair Nasarawa State, Directors Ministry of Information, Culture and tourism, local government information and culture departments of the selected local government in the state and some local residents. A good understanding of the industry was key to the researchers’ in the personal observation and documented profiles of the heritage sites, which no doubt enriched the study. Data was analyzed using simple percentages, tables, bar charts and photographs. PRESENTATION OF DATA AND DISCUSSION The trappings, mapping and photographs of Heritage tourism resources in Nasarawa state, Nigeria our study area. Hence, the study’s major Heritage resources are hereby presented. KAROFI DYEING CENTRE (KDC) Karofi Dyeing Centre (KOC) is located near the Emir’s palace in Lafia, the State Capital of Nasarawa State Nigeria. According to history, (Sarki Karofi) KDC was established in 1867 and the dyeing activities formed part of the cultural traditions of the Kanuri people who settled in Lafia. Karofi is a Hausa word which mean a place where cloth-dyeing activities is done. Karofi Dyeing Centre in Lafia operates as a traditional