Perception of the Benefits of Nature-based Tourism: A Study of Dawaki Mountain-Hiking, Abuja Nigeria

Abstract

The tourism sector contributes to the socio-economic benefits of nations and the well-being of individuals
through alleviation of rural poverty and enhanced quality of life. The study focused on ‘Dawaki
Mountain-Hiking’ in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, as a catalyst for rural poverty alleviation.
The study adopted interviews and a structured questionnaire to collect data. Data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The study found that nature-based tourism is
seen as fun, a catalyst for poverty alleviation, while mountain-hiking enhances good health and quality of
life. Nature-based tourism is dependent on natural resources and can be harnessed optimally for the
benefit of a nation. Therefore, developing countries like Nigeria should look into the potential benefits of
nature-based tourism in addition to biodiversity benefits.