Perceptions of Tourism Impact among Residents of Lokoja Metropolis, in Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the residents’ perceptions of the impact of tourism in Lokoja, and their level of support for tourism development in their areas. In October 2018, survey data were collected in communities around the Mount Patti and River Niger proximate (GRA/New layout and Adankolo) in Lokoja metropolis. Mixed methods of data collection were employed using survey questionnaires, interview and secondary approach. The survey was administered to a stratified sample of 300 residents, and 15 key informants were interviewed. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 were utilized to analyse the data derived from the survey. Descriptive statistics was also employed to summarizes the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics as well as the items adapted to measure their perceptions of tourism, evaluation of tourism impacts, and support for tourism development. The study revealed that, the surveyed residents perceived tourism impacts positively, especially the socio-cultural, and environmental impacts, and are strongly in support of any tourism development agenda of the government. The study also revealed that residents’ socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender) and residents’ perceptions of tourism impacts (that is, whether they perceived positive/negative socio-cultural and environmental impacts) were likely to predict their level of support for tourism development in Lokoja. As expected, the study reconfirmed the usefulness of the social exchange theory and Stakeholders theory in explaining the residents’ perceptions of tourism impacts and their support for tourism development. Based on these findings, the study concludes by discussing its implications and provides suggestions for the future.