Advancing Community-Based Tourism (CBT): Imo State Oil Producing Development Commission (ISOPADEC) As A Key Development Stakeholder

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Echeta Desmond Okechukwu (PhD), Osuagwu Chikezie, Chima Christian C(PhD)

Abstract

Tourism generates revenues and foreign exchange, provides jobs, enhances rural development, and reduces poverty. However, there seems to be inadequate systematic and scientific focus on tourism in the Imo state oil-producing areas (ISOPA), which is a part of Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. Focusing on Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta Local Government Areas (LGA), this study, which was based on the tourism-led growth hypothesis (TLGH), adopted a mixed method approach to obtain data from the two LGAs. Through, landscape reconnaissance of tourism features, participant observations and self-administered questionnaires, it sought to ascertain the role of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) as an intervention stakeholder for advancing community-based tourism (CBT). Findings reveal that numerous tourism resources abound in ISOPA, including phenomenally fascinating landscapes, unique cultural heritage, and other natural endowments. All these are adequate to provide sustainable tourism futures. However, tourism development stakeholders are yet to appropriate, harness or direct concerted efforts towards the very crucial role that the sector can play towards community development. Hence, tourism development currently has no significant impact on revenue generation in ISOPA. This study therefore recommends a holistic review of the roles of ISOPADEC, which should direct community efforts towards non-oil alternative revenue sectors, especially tourism and culture. This requires the enumeration, harmonization, development and marketing of identified tourism resources in the area. Synergy amongst stakeholders would largely advance policy prospects toward revenue diversification, rural development and proper integration of stakeholders, to reduce youth restiveness, rage and unemployment.


 


 

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Echeta Desmond Okechukwu (PhD), Osuagwu Chikezie, Chima Christian C(PhD)