EVALUATING THE CURRENT LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT AND UTILISATION OF ECOTOURISM RESOURCES IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

This study evaluates the current level of development and utilisation of major ecotourism resources in Cross River State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and questionnaire data were collected from 400 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure across six ecotourism zones: Obanliku, Obudu, Boki, Etung, Akamkpa and Calabar Municipal. Descriptive statistics were used to identify major resources and assess their level of development and use. Findings show that respondents recognised mountains (97.3%), waterfalls (91.3%), biodiversity hotspots (86.3%), wildlife sanctuaries (82.0%), monoliths (78.0%), drill ranches (74.5%), forests (72.0%), local festivals (65.3%), hills (63.0%) and dams (50.3%) as major ecotourism resources. However, most attractions recorded low development and low utilisation, while dams, monoliths and local festivals showed substantial non-development. The study contributes empirical evidence on the gap between resource abundance and destination readiness in a rain forest tourism setting. It concludes that Cross River State's ecotourism assets can support sustainable rural development only where infrastructure, community participation, investment, destination management and conservation governance are strengthened.