Community-Based Eco-Tourism Education and Capacity Building: Enhancing Local Participation in Sustainable Tourism Development in Cross River State 0 0
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/jete.vol8no1.82Keywords:
eco-tourism education, capacity building, sustainable tourism development, local participation, Cross River State, NigeriaAbstract
This study explores the relationship between community-based eco-tourism education, capacity building, and local participation in sustainable tourism development in Cross River State, Nigeria. Guided by two hypotheses, the study examined whether community-based eco-tourism education and capacity building significantly influence local participation in sustainable tourism activities. A correlational research design was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive analysis. The quantitative component involved a sample of 280 respondents drawn from eco-tourism communities using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed a strong positive and statistically significant correlation between community-based eco-tourism education and local participation (r = .654, p < .05), as well as a moderate but significant correlation between capacity building and local participation (r = .523, p < .05). These results suggest that enhancing eco-tourism education and implementing effective capacity-building initiatives significantly increase local community involvement in sustainable tourism development. The findings align with theories of participatory development, empowerment, social capital, and human capital, as well as previous empirical studies emphasizing the importance of education and skill development in community-driven tourism. Based on these outcomes, the study recommends the expansion of community-based education and capacity-building programs to strengthen local participation and ensure the long-term sustainability of eco-tourism in Cross River State.
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