Community based ecotourism management practise, a panacea for sustainable rural development in Liberia.

Ecotourism practise is a sustainable management tool targeted at improving livelihood and wellbeing of the rural populace. This paper examined the roles Kpatawee Citizen Community Organisation (KCCO),is playing in the management of Kpatawee water fall, Suakoko District, Bong County, Liberia. Multiple research techniques employed for this study include Focus Group Discussion, House hold questionnaire survey and field observation. Three Sustainable Development Indicators (SDI) selected to assess the impacts of Community Based Ecotourism Management Practise (CBEMP)on the four selected rural communities include level of income, social capital and infrastructural facilities. Demographic characteristics of the respondents were descriptively analysed while income levels were subjected to ANOVA. Multiple effects of ecotourism practise are observed to be very low; there is significant difference in income of inhabitants in the communities at P≤ 0.005. F (3, 78)=4.615 and result of post –hoc multiple comparisons revealed that income level of inhabitants of Dumai community is significantly different from others. Proportion of the population having access to infrastructural facilities is low (5-10%). Low rate of intentional homicides and crimes (4%) are indications of improve social capital in the communities. Part of the proceeds attracted to the waterfall is used to improve the health facilities in the communities and maintain the aesthetic values of the waterfall. CBEMP has brought changes in land use pattern and management of the waterfall. The need for improvement in the provision of infrastructural facilities and interpersonal relationship between individuals and KCCO are emphasized taking into considerationlimitations of the local communities.Keywords: Ecotourism practise, sustainable development, rural communities, multiple research technique

Assessment of cobalt levels in wastewater, soil and vegetable samples grown along Kubanni stream channels in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The concentration of cobalt was determined in wastewater, soil and vegetable (carrot, lettuce, onion, spinach, cabbage, tomato and okra) samples collected on seasonal basis from January, 2013 to September 2014 along Kubanni stream channels in Zaria. The results show cobalt levels in wastewater were in the range of 3.77 - 15.20 mg/L for the year 2013 and 4.74 - 15.20 mg/L in 2014; 0.63 - 3.57 mg/Kg for the year 2013 and 0.99 - 4.07 mg/Kg in 2014 for the soil while the vegetables had concentrations in the range of 1.25 - 8.75 mg/Kg for the year 2013 and 2.76 - 12.45 mg/Kg in 2014. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in cobalt levels across the sampling  locations whereas significant difference (p < 0.050) were observed in seasons for wastewater and vegetables analyzed. Pearson correlation showed substantial (r = 0.726) relationship between cobalt levels in wastewater for the year 2013 and 2014, substantial (r = 0.799) relationship for soils between these two years and substantial (r = 0.720) relationship was also obtained for vegetables cultivated in 2013 to that of 2014, respectively. Cobalt concentrations in this study were higher than maximum contaminant levels set by Standard Organizations such as WHO and FAO in wastewater while below their limits in vegetables. Keywords: Cobalt level, Kubanni River, soil, vegetable, wastewater.

Anthropogenic Activities Threatening the Management of Ecotourism Resources in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria

Abundant fauna and flora resources in Nigeria are being threatened due to the increasing rate of anthropogenic activities across the protected areas in the country. This study examined anthropogenic activities threatening the natural resources considered to be of ecotourism value in Old Oyo National Park. Primary data were collected through administration of a set of questionnaire on the respondents. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Result of the analysis showed that human activities had negative impacts on the Park resources. Recommendations were made on the need to engage in aggressive afforestation, conservation education and provision of fund to support sustainable livelihood practices.Keywords: natural resources, anthropogenic, sustainable livelihood, ecotourism, impacts, National Par

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Travel Motivation and Behaviour of Visitors in Nature-Based Destinations in Northern Nigeria

This study aimed to assess socio-demographic determinants of travel motivation and behavior of visitors in nature-based destinations in Northern Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was administered to 575 respondents at Chad Basin National Park; CBNP (69), Gashaka Gumti National Park; GGNP (165) and Yankari Game Reserve; YGR (341). Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Results revealed that majority of the respondents at CBNP were males (72.5%), majority of the respondents at GGNP were females (77.6%) and majority of the respondents at YGR were males (53.1%). Visitors were majorly motivated to come to CBNP for enjoyment of nature (27.5%) while source of information about the parks revealed previous trip as the highest in CBNP (29%) and YGR (36.1%) while GGNP recorded friends and relatives as the highest (45.5%). They were majorly motivated to visit GGNP because they wanted to be away from hustle and bustle of cities (33.3%) and they were motivated to visit YGR for game viewing (33.4%). Furthermore, there is significant relationship between travel motivations and sex, marital status, education, occupation, nationality (P<0.01). The determinants of travel motivations were monthly income, occupation and nationality while the determinants of travel behaviours were the socio-demographic factors except age. Game viewing and nature attributes of nature-based destinations should be developed more as these attributes motivate people to visit the sites

Efficacy of Quasi Agro Binding Fibre on the Hybrid Composite Used in Advance Application

The choice for natural fibre obtained from agricultural products is on the rise due to its solution to eco-friendly, environmental and improved mechanical properties concerns. Its abundant availability, low cost, emission reduction and adaptability to base material for composite make it a prime material for selection. This review explores diverse perspectives to the future trend of agro fibre in terms of the thermo-mechanical properties as it applies to advanced application in building structures. It is important to investigate the ecofriendliness of the products of composites from fibres in agricultural wastes so as to achieve a green and sustainable environment. This will come to fore by the combined efforts of both researchers and feedback from building stakeholders