Investigating the Role of Traditional Conservation Knowledge in Tourism Resource Management in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
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Traditional Conservation Knowledge (TCK) has become crucial for biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism in rural Nigeria; however, it is underutilised in tourism resource management. This study investigated TCK in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, utilising a mixed-methods approach that included field observations, questionnaires, and interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests, were employed to analyse the relationship between socio-economic factors and conservation practices. Findings revealed a high awareness of TCK, with sacred groves (31%) and cultural taboos (26%) as dominant conservation strategies. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between occupation and conservation practice (χ² = 9.76, p < 0.05), indicating that livelihood dependence strongly influences environmental stewardship. TCK was found to enhance biodiversity conservation, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable tourism. The study concludes that TCK integration into tourism policy through legal recognition, education, and co-management is essential for preserving tourism resources in Akwanga and other rural destinations.
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