Ecotourism Development and Welfare of Host Community in Doguwa Local Government, Kano, Nigeria

Kano state, specifically Doguwa local government possess enormous ecotourism attractions where stakeholders make effort to develop ecotourism in the area, through the provision of necessary facilities, infrastructure and marketing, nonetheless, destination’s contribution in improving the lives of the host communities is low due to low tourist patronage. Thus, the study intended to establish if there is any significant relationship between ecotourism development and welfare of host community in Doguwa Local Government, Kano. Cross sectional, descriptive and correlation designs were employed. The data were collected using non standardized instruments, with items on ecotourism development and welfare of host community, using a target sample size 0f 410. The study carries out a reliability test using Cronbach alpha and arrived at Cronbach alpha coefficient above 0.7, and validity test using content validity index with CVIs above 0.7, KMO above 0.7, Batlets test sig less than 0.05, determinant greater than 0.000, communalities above 0.5 and rotated component matrices discriminated and loading highly on distinct factors. The data were analysed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels using frequency, percentage, mean correlation and regression. The findings reveal a significant relationship between ecotourism development and welfare improvement of host community (Sig = 0.00) which coincided with the result generated from interview. And it was recommended that government in partnership with other stakeholders should be involved in tourism development.