Background of the Study
Eco-tourism, defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people, has gained increasing attention as a tool for promoting sustainable development. In Jos South Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, eco-tourism presents an opportunity to harness the region’s rich natural resources, such as its scenic landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, in a sustainable manner. Eco-tourism can create jobs, support local economies, and contribute to environmental conservation. However, challenges such as poor infrastructure, lack of adequate regulation, and the risk of overexploitation remain obstacles to fully realizing the potential of eco-tourism in the area. This study seeks to appraise eco-tourism as a strategy for sustainable development in Jos South, assessing its effectiveness, challenges, and the benefits it offers to both the environment and the local communities (Musa & Ibrahim, 2025).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
While Jos South has considerable eco-tourism potential, it faces numerous challenges that hinder the development and sustainability of this sector. The lack of proper infrastructure, limited awareness of eco-tourism practices, and poor management of natural resources are barriers that limit eco-tourism’s contribution to sustainable development. This study will evaluate the current state of eco-tourism in Jos South, exploring how it can be developed into a viable strategy for promoting economic growth, conservation, and community well-being.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
• To evaluate the potential of eco-tourism as a strategy for sustainable development in Jos South.
• To examine the environmental, social, and economic benefits of eco-tourism in Jos South.
• To assess the challenges and opportunities for the development of eco-tourism in the region.
1.4 Research Questions
• What are the environmental, social, and economic benefits of eco-tourism in Jos South?
• What challenges hinder the development of eco-tourism in Jos South?
• How can eco-tourism be promoted as a strategy for sustainable development in Jos South?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
• H1: Eco-tourism significantly contributes to environmental conservation and sustainable development in Jos South.
• H2: Eco-tourism creates social and economic benefits for local communities in Jos South.
• H3: There are significant barriers to the development of eco-tourism in Jos South, including inadequate infrastructure and poor management practices.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study will provide insights into the role of eco-tourism in sustainable development in Jos South, contributing to the discourse on the economic and environmental benefits of eco-tourism. The findings will be valuable for local government officials, tourism stakeholders, and environmental organizations, offering data and recommendations on how eco-tourism can be better integrated into local development strategies. By promoting eco-tourism, the study could also aid in improving community livelihoods and conserving the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage (Musa & Ibrahim, 2025).
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on the evaluation of eco-tourism in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State. Limitations include challenges in accessing accurate data on local eco-tourism activities and the potential for limited cooperation from stakeholders due to financial or operational constraints.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
• Eco-tourism: Tourism that focuses on visiting natural areas, supporting conservation efforts, and benefiting local communities without causing harm to the environment.
• Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Natural Resources: Raw materials and elements from nature, such as forests, water bodies, and wildlife, that can be utilized for economic or cultural purposes.
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