Abstract:
Niger State boasts a variety of captivating tourist attractions, among which Gurara and Mayanka waterfalls stand out. This study examines the tourism potential of these two natural wonders in Niger State, Nigeria. The research draws upon primary data sources such as administered questionnaires, oral interviews, and reconnaissance surveys. Additionally, secondary sources like academic journals, textbooks, conference materials, and official documents from the Niger State Government relating to tourism in the study areas were utilized to fulfill the study’s objectives. Analytical methods encompassed frequency percentages, arithmetic means, and a four-point rating scale. The findings reveal that Gurara waterfall garners the attention of both Nigerians and foreign visitors, while Mayanka waterfall primarily attracts local Nigerians according to respondent perceptions. The survey indicated that for Gurara waterfall, the highest ranking was “strongly agreed,” receiving unanimous consensus with no disagreements. Conversely, in the case of Mayanka waterfall, the “disagree” option had the most respondents, with “strongly disagree” being the least favored choice. Notably, 189 respondents strongly agreed that a tourism master plan exists for Gurara waterfall, while 116 respondents expressed strong disagreement regarding a tourism master plan for Mayanka waterfall. This suggests that only Gurara waterfall possesses a tourism master plan, albeit with limited implementation. Identified constraints to tourism in the study areas encompass a lack of political will, strategic marketing, promotional programs, and proposed event product development such as festivals. Notably, the lack of political will was the foremost constraint with 110 respondents, whereas the scarcity of promotional programs ranked lowest with 46 respondents. This underscores the significance of political will as a primary obstacle to tourism development in these sites. Furthermore, the tourism offerings at Gurara and Mayanka Waterfalls in Niger State remain largely undeveloped, notably lacking on-site accommodations, which curtails visitors’ length of stay. In light of these findings, it is recommended that fostering tourism at Gurara and Mayanka Waterfalls necessitates coordinated efforts among key stakeholders, including tourism investors, the Niger State Government, local communities, and the Local Government Authority.
ASSESSING THE TOURISM POTENTIAL OF GURARA AND MAYANKA WATERFALLS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
