Relationship between Socio-Economic Characteristics, Perceived Value and Conservation Attitude of Visitors in Selected Ecotourism Destinations in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between visitors’ perceived value, socioeconomic characteristics, and conservation attitude in three ecotourism destinations in Northern Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was administered on 575 respondents: Chad Basin National Park (CBNP) 69, Gashaka Gumti National Park (GGNP) 165 and Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) 341. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially with Chi-square, correlation, and regression analyses. The visitors’ mean perceived intrinsic value was 3.17 at CBNP, GGNP (3.66) and YGR (3.62). Mean non-use value was 4.28 at recorded at CBNP, GGNP (4.46) and YGR (4.45). Mean recreational value was 4.69 at CBNP, GGNP (4.28) and YGR (4.36). Mean use value was 3.76 at CBNP, GGNP (3.63), and YGR (3.76). The highest conservation attitude was “sustainability of wildlife lies in conservation” at CBNP (4.55), “wildlife should be valued as
natural and cultural relics” at GGNP (6.20), and also at YGR (5.33). Furthermore, there was significant association between conservation attitude and intrinsic value (r=0.442, p<0.01), use value (r=0.140, p<0.01), and the overall perceived value (r=0.289, p<0.01). Conservation attitudes are thus formed from perceived values towards the eco-destinations.