Assessment of Residents’ Perception of Tourism Activities in the Selected Host Communities in Osun State

Assessment of Residents’ Perception of Tourism Activities in the Selected Host Communities in Osun State

Ajani A. A^1*, Ogunsusi Kayode², Adeleke B.O³

^1,3Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Faculty of Management Sciences, Redeemer’s University Ede

²Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology Okitipupa Ondo State

^*Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.9020343

Received: 15 February 2025; Accepted: 20 February 2025; Published: 24 March 2025

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates residents’ perceptions regarding tourism activities in selected host communities, Osun-Osogbo Grove, Olumirin Waterfall, and Nike in Osun State, Nigeria. This study uses a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to evaluate residents’ perceptions of tourism activities in selected host communities in Osun State, Nigeria. The research aims to identify the socio-economic impacts of tourism, understand residents’ attitudes towards tourists and tourism development, and assess the perceived benefits and challenges associated with tourism activities. The total population of the study area is 237,587, with a sample size of 1,778 participants. Demographic analysis shows that among respondents, 1263 were married, and 409 were single. Educational attainment varied, with 52.3% participants holding tertiary qualifications, 24.4% having secondary education, and 9.8% with primary education. Age distribution indicated that 37.4% were aged 31-40, 34.0% were 41-50, and 23% were in the 21-30 and 51-60 year brackets. Gender distribution revealed that 60% of participants were male and 40% female. Income analysis showed that 61.3% earned between 50,000 to 100,000 Naira monthly, while 27.2% earned between 20,000 to 50,000 Naira. Most respondents (73.63%) had lived in their communities for 3-4 years. The results emphasise the need for inclusive tourism policies that consider resident feedback to promote sustainable development, providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance community engagement in tourism initiatives while maximising positive outcomes for residents and visitors.

Keywords: Residents Perception, Tourism, Activities, Host, Communities

INTRODUCTION

Tourism has become a vital component of economic development in many regions (Zheng et al., 2023), particularly in areas rich in cultural heritage and natural resources. Osun State is notable in Nigeria for its diverse attractions, including the Osun-Osogbo Grove, Olumirin Waterfall, and Nike Art Gallery. (Maxwell 2020) These sites draw tourists and serve as focal points for local communities that engage in tourism activities. Understanding residents’ perceptions of these tourism activities is crucial for sustainable development, as it influences community support, participation, and overall satisfaction with tourism initiatives. This study assesses residents’ perceptions of selected host communities surrounding these attractions to provide insights into how tourism impacts their lives and environments.

BACKGROUND STUDY

The relationship between tourism and host communities has been widely studied across various contexts. Residents’ perceptions can significantly affect the success or failure of tourism initiatives (Pekerşen & Kaplan, 2023; Ozgit et al., 2023). Positive perceptions often correlate with economic benefits such as job creation and increased business opportunities (Dikgwatlhe & Mulenga, 2023). Conversely, negative perceptions may arise from concerns about environmental degradation, cultural erosion, or social disruption (Kilag et al., 2023).

In Osun State specifically, the Osun-Osogbo Grove is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as an annual pilgrimage site for devotees of the river goddess Osun. This cultural significance attracts numerous visitors yearly but raises questions about the impact on local traditions and lifestyles (Ilkhamovna et al., 2024). Similarly, Olumirin Waterfall is a natural attraction that offers recreational opportunities but may lead to environmental challenges if not managed sustainably. ( Owagbemi et al., 2023). Nike Art Gallery represents another dimension of tourism in Osun State by promoting local arts and crafts. (Ogundare et al., 2024). The gallery provides a platform for artisans while contributing to the cultural economy; however, it also faces challenges related to commercialisation and authenticity (Hachisako, (2023)

Understanding how residents perceive these attractions is essential for developing strategies that enhance positive outcomes while mitigating negative impacts. Engaging with local populations can foster a sense of ownership over resources and promote more favourable attitudes to tourism development (Wu, 2024). Therefore, this assessment will explore various dimensions of resident perceptions towards cultural implications, economic benefits, and environmental concerns and how they shape community attitudes towards tourism activities in the selected host communities.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The research design for this study was a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. This design allows for a comprehensive understanding of residents’ perceptions by collecting numerical data through surveys and rich, descriptive data through interviews or focus groups. The quantitative aspect involves structured questionnaires to gather measurable data, while the qualitative component provides deeper insights into the attitudes and feelings of residents regarding tourism activities. As describe by Matović,, & Ovesni. (2023).

Area of Study

The selected areas for this study are significant tourist attractions in Osun State, Nigeria: Osogbo Grove, Olumirin Waterfall and Nike Art Gallery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cultural significance and annual festival. This tourist attraction draws visitors due to its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Moreover, it is also a prominent art gallery showcasing Nigerian art and culture, attracting local and international tourists. These locations were chosen due to their varying types of tourism activities and their impact on local communities.

Sample size

This study uses mixed methods to sample 1,778 residents and staff from selected host communities, employing simple random sampling and the Yamane Formula for size determination. The sample sizes are 575, 601 and 602 respectively, for Erin-Ijesha, Egbedore LGA and Osogbo LGA, respectively.

n = N/1 + N(e)²

where: n = sample size

            N = population

            e = expected sampling error = 0.05 at 95% confidence interval

Table 3.1: Study’s population and sample size

Source: City population (2020)

Method of data analysis

Quantitative data will use descriptive and inferential statistics, including ANOVA, analysed via SPSS. Qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis for systematic theme generation.

RESULTS

Table 4.1 Frequency distribution showing Respondents’ marital and educational information

Figure 4.1. Bar chart representation of the Age distribution of the respondents

Figure 4.2 bar chart representation of gender distribution of the respondents

Table 4.2 Frequency Distribution showing Respondents’ marital and educational information

Source:  Author’s Fieldwork 2024.

Figure 4.3. Bar chart representation of the Age distribution of the respondents

Figure 4.4. Bar chart representation of the Age distribution of the respondents

DISCUSSION

Table 4.1 shows the results of marital and educational attainment of the respondents; out of the population size, 1263 are married, 469 are single, while the rest are widowed. Regarding education attainment, 23% of 1778 attended primary school, 58% attended secondary education, 123% had tertiary education, and 31% had vocational skills.

Figure 4.1 shows the bar chart representation of age distribution; the most significant group age is 31-40 years of age, which takes 37.4%, followed by 34.0% of the age range 41-50years, 21-30 years of the respondents also take 23% of the population, 51-60 are few with 4.3% followed by 61-70 years with 1.3%. Considering the gender of the respondents, a large percentage of them are male, while the rest are female, at 40%.

Table 4.2 shows the length of residents around the tourist site. People who have spent 6-15 years are the largest at 50.6%, followed by those who have spent 16-25 years at 34.9%. The rest of them have less than 7 years of length of stay. Respondents’ occupations are teaching, farming, business, trading, civil servant, driving artisan, student, and retiree with 4.3, 3.0, 48.1, 9.8, 10.8, 1.7, 13.6, 8.5, and 9%, respectively.

Figures 4.3 and 4.4 show the monthly income and household distribution; most respondents earn 50-100 thousand naira monthly, 61.3%. Followed by 27.2% with 20-50 thousand naira income. In contrast, the rest are collecting less than 20 thousand naira monthly. Most respondents are in 3-4 households with 73.6%, 16.2% are 1-2 household dwellers, 9.8% are up to 5-6 households, and the last group are 0.4% with 7-8 people in the house.

Most respondents, accounting for 73.6%, reside in households of 3 to 4 members. (Tele et al., 2023) This demographic detail highlights a family-oriented structure within the community, which can significantly influence how tourism is perceived about family life and overall community cohesion.

Living in smaller family units often fosters close-knit relationships and shared experiences (Teerapong et al., 2023), which can shape opinions about tourism activities. For instance, families may view tourism as a potential source of income and job opportunities, enhancing their quality of life. Conversely, they might also express concerns regarding the impact of tourism on family dynamics, such as increased traffic, noise, or cultural changes that could disrupt their traditional way of life.

The family-oriented perspective may lead to a greater emphasis on tourism’s benefits to community welfare, as suggested by Hu et al. (2023), such as improved infrastructure and services. However, it may also raise apprehensions about potential drawbacks, including the risk of overcrowding and loss of local culture. Therefore, understanding this household composition is crucial for stakeholders looking to develop tourism initiatives that align with the community’s values and needs while promoting economic growth and social harmony.

CONCLUSION

The demographic analysis reveals a predominantly married population with a significant portion of individuals aged 31-50, highlighting a family-oriented community structure. Most respondents have resided near the tourist site for over six years, indicating stability. The income distribution suggests that tourism could be perceived as a vital economic opportunity, yet concerns about its impact on family dynamics and local culture persist. Stakeholders must consider these factors to create tourism initiatives that promote economic growth and respect and enhance community values, ensuring a harmonious balance between development and cultural preservation.

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