Economic Valuation and Willingness-to-Pay for Ecotourism Resources in Old-Oyo National Park, Nigeria

Ecotourism has emerged globally as a potent instrument for fostering sustainable development, aiming to harmonize environmental conservation with the economic well-being of local communities (Wearing & Neil, 2009; Fennell, 2015). It is often presented as a panacea for regions rich in biodiversity but facing economic constraints, offering a pathway to generate revenue while incentivizing the protection of natural and cultural heritage (Honey, 2008). The core tenets of ecotourism emphasize responsible travel to natural areas, conservation of the environment, and improvement of the welfare of local people (TIES, 2015). However, the successful implementation of ecotourism initiatives is complex, requiring careful planning, robust management strategies, and a clear understanding of visitor motivations and economic valuations (Buckley, 2012). In many developing nations, including Nigeria, national parks and protected areas are cornerstones of biodiversity conservation and potential hubs for ecotourism development (Okunlola & Ogan, 2019). These areas, however, frequently grapple with underfunding, leading to challenges in effective management, infrastructure development, and community engagement (Adams & Hulme, 2001). The concept of "unintentional ecotourists," as highlighted in the abstract, where visitors are drawn to a location primarily for its natural attributes without necessarily identifying with the formal ecotourism market, presents both an opportunity and a challenge. It underscores an existing demand for nature-based experiences that, if properly managed and monetized, could significantly contribute to conservation efforts and local economies. Nigeria, a country of immense ecological diversity, hosts several national parks, each with unique flora, fauna, and cultural landscapes. Old-Oyo National Park (OONP), the focus of this study, stands as Nigeria's fourth largest national park, covering approximately 2,512 square kilometres. Its geographical positioning between latitudes 8° 10? and 9° 05? North and longitudes 3° 35? and 4° 21? East places it within a rich ecological zone. Despite its potential, like many protected areas in the region, OONP faces the challenge of optimizing its resources for sustainable tourism and conservation finance. Understanding the economic value that visitors place on their experiences and on the conservation of the park is crucial for developing appropriate pricing strategies and management plans.

Problem Statement and Objective of the Research

Protected areas like Old-Oyo National Park often struggle with inadequate funding for conservation activities, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives (Balmford et al., 2002). Entrance fees and other revenue-generating mechanisms may not be optimally structured, often because there is a lack of empirical data on what visitors are actually willing to pay for the experiences offered and for the upkeep of the natural resources they enjoy. Without a clear understanding of visitor valuation and community perspectives, park management may miss opportunities to enhance revenue, improve visitor satisfaction, and ensure that tourism contributes positively to both conservation goals and local livelihoods. This study, therefore, addresses the critical need to quantify visitors' willingness to pay for access and conservation in OONP and to understand the socio-economic dynamics influencing these valuations and community perceptions. However, empirical WTP studies specifically for entrance fees and conservation in major Nigerian national parks using robust methods like DC-CVM remain relatively limited, particularly for OONP. This study aims to fill this ga, hence the objective of this study is to determine the willingness of visitors to pay for ecotourism and conservation in  Old-Oyo National Park (OONP), Oyo state Nigeria.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Concept and Principles of Ecotourism

Ecotourism, as a specialized segment of tourism, has garnered significant attention since its conceptualization in the late 20th century. It is broadly defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education" (TIES, 2015). This definition encapsulates several core principles: a nature-based focus, environmental conservation, socio-economic benefits for host communities, and an educational component for visitors (Fennell, 2015). Unlike mass tourism, ecotourism emphasizes minimal environmental impact, cultural sensitivity, and active contribution to the preservation of biodiversity (Wearing & Neil, 2009). The appeal of ecotourism lies in its potential to generate economic incentives for conservation, transforming natural assets into sustainable revenue streams (Honey, 2008). However, the actualization of these ideals often faces challenges, including greenwashing, revenue leakage, and insufficient community participation (Buckley, 2012; Goodwin, 2002).

Ecotourism and National Park Management in Nigeria

Nigeria's national park system, managed by the Nigeria National Park Service (NNPS), encompasses diverse ecosystems ranging from savannahs to rainforests and wetlands. These parks, including Old-Oyo National Park, are mandated to conserve biodiversity, promote ecological research, and provide opportunities for public recreation and tourism (NNPS Act). However, Nigerian national parks face numerous challenges, including poaching, habitat degradation, encroachment from surrounding communities, and, critically, insufficient funding (Afolayan & Agbelusi, 2002; Meduna et al., 2009). Ecotourism has been identified as a potential strategy to address some of these challenges by generating revenue, creating local employment, and fostering community support for conservation (Adeleke, 2014). Studies within Nigeria have explored various facets of ecotourism, including its potential, community participation, and visitor preferences (e.g., Jimoh et al., 2012; Liseki & Liseki, 2018).

METHODOLOGY

Description of the Study Area: Old-Oyo National Park (OONP)

Old-Oyo National Park (OONP), the site for this research, is one of Nigeria's significant protected areas. It derives its name from Oyo-lle (Old Oyo), the ancient capital of the Oyo Empire, and thus holds substantial historical and cultural significance in addition to its ecological value. The park spans an area of approximately 2,512 square kilometres, making it the fourth largest national park in the country. Geographically, it is situated in the southwestern part of Nigeria, between latitudes 8° 10? and 9° 05? North and longitudes 3° 35? and 4° 21? East, primarily within Oyo State and extending into Kwara State. The park's topography is characterized by undulating plains with scattered hills, inselbergs, and rock outcrops, offering scenic vistas. Its vegetation is predominantly Guinea savanna, interspersed with dense forest patches along waterways and in valleys. This diverse habitat supports a variety of wildlife, including buffalos, kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, various primate species such as patas monkeys and baboons, and a rich avifauna with over 200 bird species recorded (NNPS, n.d.). The Ikere-gorge Dam, located on the Ogun River within the park, is a prominent feature, creating a large lake that supports fisheries and attracts wildlife, and is a focal point for tourism activities, as indicated by the survey in Abule-Odo. The park is also home to several archaeological and cultural sites linked to the Old Oyo Empire. Management of OONP is under the purview of the Nigeria National Park Service.