Abstract
This study examines community engagement in ecotourism planning at Arinta Waterfall, Ipole
Iloro, Ekiti State, assessing how socioeconomic characteristics influence involvement, current
participation levels, and governance functionality. A cross-sectional survey of 133 households,
selected from an estimated 700, employed a structured questionnaire validated by wildlife and
ecotourism experts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression in
SPSS v.25. Sociodemographic profiles indicated a slight female majority, varied marital status,
predominantly secondary education, primary engagement in farming or resort employment,
and over one-third earning above ₦50,000 monthly. Regression analysis showed
socioeconomic variables explained 18.1% of engagement variance (R²=0.181,
F(8,124)=3.416, p=0.001); years of work experience negatively predicted engagement (B=
0.616, p=0.013), while gender and education had marginal positive effects (p≈0.06–0.07).
Participation measures revealed moderate involvement, decision-making influence and
capacity-building exhibited gaps despite strong endorsement of public forums and business
integration. Governance structures showed clear frameworks and feedback mechanisms but
uneven leadership support and benefit distribution. These findings underscore multifaceted
engagement drivers beyond demographics, necessitating targeted interventions. Addressing
barriers for longer-experienced residents through flexible engagement opportunities, tailored
capacity-building, and inclusive, context-sensitive governance mechanisms such as
transparent feedback loops and targeted outreach can broaden involvement. Strengthening
leadership commitment and equitable benefit-sharing will align ecotourism initiatives with
community interests, enhancing conservation and livelihood outcomes. This integrated
analysis contributes to literature on institutional and socioeconomic determinants of
participation and informs practice for sustainable ecotourism development in Ipole-Iloro.
References
strategies
among Chewaka resettlers’ communities of southwestern
Ethiopia. Agriculture & Food Security, 10(1), 30.
of
Achiba, G. A. (2018). Managing livelihood risks: Income diversification and the livelihood
strategies
households
Kenya. Pastoralism, 8(1), 20.
in
pastoral
settlements
in
Isiolo
County,
Adebayo, A. D., & Butcher, J. (2021). Constraints and drivers of community participation and
empowerment in tourism planning and development in Nigeria. Tourism Review
International,
25(2–3),
https://doi.org/10.3727/154427221X16098837280000
209–227.
Adetola, B. O., & Adediran, O. R. (2014). Attitudes of local residents towards sustainable
ecotourism development in Olumirin Waterfall Southwestern Nigeria. Ethiopian
Journal of Environmental Studies and Management, 7(5), 561–571.
https://doi.org/10.4314/ejesm.v7i5.9
Abera, A., Yirgu, T., & Uncha, A. (2021). Determinants of rural livelihood diversification
strategies
among Chewaka resettlers’ communities of southwestern
Ethiopia. Agriculture & Food Security, 10(1), 30.
of
Achiba, G. A. (2018). Managing livelihood risks: Income diversification and the livelihood
strategies
households
Kenya. Pastoralism, 8(1), 20.
in
pastoral
settlements
in
Isiolo
County,
Adebayo, A. D., & Butcher, J. (2021). Constraints and drivers of community participation and
empowerment in tourism planning and development in Nigeria. Tourism Review
International,
25(2–3),
https://doi.org/10.3727/154427221X16098837280000
209–227.
Adetola, B. O., & Adediran, O. R. (2014). Attitudes of local residents towards sustainable
ecotourism development in Olumirin Waterfall Southwestern Nigeria. Ethiopian
Journal of Environmental Studies and Management, 7(5), 561–571.
https://doi.org/10.4314/ejesm.v7i5.9