Abstract:
Ecotourism is a tool that can be used to achieve sustainable development. This research studies the ecotourism potentials of Ayinkunugba waterfalls. The study area is located on 7°57′18″N 4°59′10″E co-ordinates. The research determined the biodiversity at the study area, assessed cultural features of Oke-Ila and neighboring communities; assessed infrastructural features relevant to tourism at the study area; and assessed the perception of the host community and tourists towards issues that may affect ecotourism development of Ayinkunugba waterfall. 57.1% of the respondents in the host community are male while 42.9% are female. 91.4% of the respondents in the study area were aged between 18 & 49 years while 86.9% were educated to at least secondary school level. 64.9% of the tourists were male while 35.1% were female. 84.2% of the tourists that visited the Waterfall reside in Osun State while 66.6% of the tourists were aged between 18-39 years. The survey revealed that the Site is dominated by flora species like Holarena floribunda, Albizia spp, Cola millenii & Baissea axillaris. Small mammals like ground and tree squirrel were observed at the site. Through different annual cultural festivals, the host community is engaged in a form of cultural preservation through cultural festivals where the legends and folklore of the community are passed on from one generation to another. Some of the festivals are open to the public while others are partially restricted. The mode of transportation utilized to get to the study area is road transportation. The roads leading to the study area from border towns are in good condition. However, about 4km of the road leading to the waterfall is in deplorable condition. Hospitality facilities are almost nonexistent at the study area though some standard hospitality facilities can be found in Ila Orangun. Throughout the duration of the research, only one sub-standard accommodating facility which was still under construction received guests in the host community. There are crucial deficiencies in the management of the Site. This situation has created shortcomings in the areas of collection of refuse and garbage at the site, data collection, toll collection, regulation and enforcement of management policies. It is recommended that the management and general oversight operations should be greatly improved to ensure the site’s sustainability.
