z. dododawa

This study examined the perception and attitude of students of Igbinedion University Okada towards ecotourism in Nigeria. The research aimed to determine their level of awareness, participation, benefits derived, and challenges hindering ecotourism development. The study utilized proportional allocation and simple random sampling to ensure fair representation across the seven (7) colleges of Igbinedion University, Okada. A 5% sampling intensity was applied to the estimated 5,000 student population, resulting
in 250 questionnaires distributed proportionally based on the number of departments in each college. Simple random sampling was used to administer the questionnaire to the student in each college, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentage .The results revealed that most respondents (37.6%) were aware of ecotourism, while 80% expressed willingness to learn more about it. The Internet (34.15%) served as the major source of information on ecotourism. About 65.2% of respondents had previously visited at least one ecotourism site, with zoos (39.82%) being the most visited. A significant proportion (77.91%) indicated their willingness to revisit such sites, and 79.75% would recommend them to others. The results also revealed that, 83.6% of the respondents supported the establishment of an ecotourism site within the university, mainly for social and recreational purposes. Regarding the economic and developmental impact, 85.2% of respondents viewed ecotourism as a hope for Nigeria’s economy, and 87.6% believed it provides tangible benefits such as bringing people closer to nature (34.03%), recreation (20.83%), and employment (20.49%). The major challenges hindering ecotourism development as identified by the respondents included lack of adequate amenities (29.8%), ignorance (21.52%), and insecurity (17.88%). It was recommended that increased sensitization through digital platforms, integration of ecotourism into academic curricula, improved infrastructure, and policy support to strengthen sustainable ecotourism growth in Nigeria.

This study assessed the utilization of honey, focusing on the marketing and consumption patterns, in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. Of the seven (7) communities in Ughelli North Local government area, four (4) were purposively selected and fifty (50) copies of questionnaires were administered to each of the communities. A total of two hundred (200) copies of questionnaires were administered to the respondents in the study area. Data were also collected from 20 honey sellers in the communities. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean and presented in
tables and charts. The findings revealed that the majority of honey sellers (50%) had been selling for 1-3 years. Their primary marketing channel was physical market places (66.67%), and they predominantly promoted honey through word of mouth (65.38%). All surveyed sellers (100%) reported that they do not export their honey. A significant finding is that all sellers (100%) do not own a bee farm, primarily citing a lack of skills (50%) as the reason.