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Assessment of the Yankari game reserve, Nigeria
Assessment of the Yankari GameReserve, Nigeria Problems and prospects FemiOlokesusi
This case study examines interrelationships of tourism development and the environment, broadly defined. It assesses and discusses: the natural setting of the Yankarf Game Reserve; socioeconomic dimensions such as available physical facilities, patronage, employment opportunities, management and its contributions to regional development; and ecological dimensions as they relate to waste management, flora and fauna protection. Observed damage to the resort environment is not critical at present, although certain mitigative measures need to be taken. Also, the reserve, if properly managed, offers tremendous positive regional socioeconomic impacts without unduly affecting the natural environment. An effective marketing strategy should be devised such that removal of government subsidy would not endanger Nigeria’s most popular game resort.
The Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State, Nigeria, is perhaps the most popular game reserve in the West African sub-region. Events leading to the establishment of the Yankari Game Reserve date back to 1953, although the first set of visitors arrived there in December 1962. The first legal backing for the preservation of the reserve is the Northern Region of Nigeria Law No 9 of 1957,’ which referred to the reserve as the Bauchi Native Authority Forest Reserve. The reserve was officially gazetted after independence. Prior to independence, management of the reserve was conducted by the Northern Region Game Preservation Unit of the Ministry of Animal and Forest Resources. After independence management, though still undertaken by the public sector, has changed from one ministry to another over the years. The Bauchi State Ministries of Agriculture and Forest Resources; and Commerce, Industry and Tourism have all managed the reserve. Since 1987, however, a publicly owned limited liability company, the Yankari Game Reserve, has managed its affairs.
Femi Olokesusi is Senior Research Fellow at NISER, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
The Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) covers an area of 2244.10 km* and is situated in the Duguri, Gwana and Pali Districts of the Alkaleri Local Government Area in Bauchi state, Nigeria (see Figure 1). By virtue of the landscape, which is open woodland rising from 215-369 metres above sea level, it offers a beautiful environment for visitors to see wildlife in its natural habitat undisturbed by excessive human activities. The Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) is located some 113 km south east of Bauchi town, and about 40 km from the River Gongola at Dindima bridge off the Gombe-Bauchi road. The whole reserve is situated on sedimentary rocks, from which five springs - Wikki, Mawulgo, Tungan Maliki, Gwang and Dimil emerge (see Figure 2). The Tungan Maliki is a cold spring while the others are warm. The Gwang is the largest, followed by Dimil, while the smallest is the Mawulgo. However, only Wikki has been developed, and used for recreation. This 2244.10 km2 of conserved area is but one of the 18 major nature conservation areas and wildlife parks in Nigeria, as shown by Table 1. There is at present no national wildlife area or park management system
The author acknowledges the research grant from NISER to carry out this study; however, the views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of NISER, Ibadan. Final draft submitted accepted July 1989.
January
‘Northern Region Government Law No 9, Kaduna, 1975.
0261-5177/90/020153-11
1989;
of Nigeria,
Location and topography of the Game Reserve
0 1990 Butterworth-Heinemann
Ltd
153
Assessmen!
of the Yankari
Game Reserve. Nigeria
BENUE
Makurdi
Yankari
Figure 1. Map of Nigeria location of Bauchi state.
showing
RIVERS
-
!
Tonao
-
AKWA
-
Came
Reserve
IBOM
“/,v/
Kalbm-Hills\
Long
REFERENCE Dry
season
Observation
Figure
2.
Yankari Reserve site.
Source: Yankari Game Reserve and Tourism Company Ltd, 1987.
154
road
track
ProDosed observation River Came Patrol Post Mileage 6 not
to
-----
Rfmi
track
C.P.P.
_._._
C.P.P.
scale
-1
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June
1990
Assessment Table 1.
List of conservation
Conservation
Sources: Federal Republic of Nigeria, Third National ~eve/~~fft Plan, National Planning Office, Lagos, 1975: Fourth ffa~iona/ Oevelopment P&I, National Planning Office, Lagos, 1980; Nigerian Conservation Foundation, ‘Conserve nature’s blessing’, advertisement in D&y Times, Lagos, 12 April 1987; Federal Capital Development Authority, Vte Master Plan ror Abuja, the New Federal Capita/ of Nigeria, FCDA, Lagos, 1979.
of
the Yank&
Game Reserve, Nigeria
areas already gazetted or piannad in Nigeria.
areas
Yankari Game Reserve Lame-Bura Game Reserve GashakaIGumti Game Reserve Kainji Lake National Park Pandam Wildlife Park Lake Chad Marshes Lekki Peninsula Sanctuary KagoroiNindam Forest Reserve Wase Game Reserve Okomu Game Resewe lfon Game Reserve Oluwa Forest Reserve Olokemeji Forest Reserve Obudu/Obu~~Okwango Game Reserve Hadejia Wetlands Reserve Upper Ogun Reserve Bobo Plains Zuma Hills National Park
State located Bauchl Bauchl Gongola Kwara Plateau Borno Lagos Plateau and Kaduna Plateau Bendel Ondo Ondo Ogun Cross River Kano OYO Abuja FCT Abuja FCT
in the country, although exchange of information and animals takes place among owners/managers of parks and reserves.
Objectives and potentials of the YGR The primary aim of establishing the YGR is the conservation of wildlife. Emanating from this primary aim is the objective of wise use of the resource (reserve) as a tourist resort for recreational purposes such as game viewing, boating and swimming, among others. Some inherent advantages of wildlife conservation include genetic presenation and diversity, flora and soil conservation , generation of employment as well as watershed management. The tourist potential of the YGR is tremendous, even though a small portion of the potential is currently being tapped. The Wikki Warm Spring This spring, after which the onfy and most important camp is named, is about 13.0 metres wide and 1.9 metres deep. It is used for sunbathing and canoeing. The temperature of the spring water remains relatively constant during both day and night at about 31.1”C The other germane tourist potential and facilities include the historic Dukkey wells, rich flora and fauna (see Table 2). There is a museum of natural history that is open to visitors. In the museum, relics of wildlife are kept with a brief history of their origin and characteristics. Also, the relics of animals retrieved from poachers are displayed here.
There is a reception complex which houses a conference hall with capacity for 100 people. The hall has its own coffee room and toilet facilities, as well as souvenir and provision shops. Cafering and accommodation facilities
The only available sets of chalets are at the Wikki camp, and. during the author’s visit, 113 furnished chalets were available (see Table 3). There is also a camping ground for tents and caravans not too far from the new squash court building. The hotel section hires out tents on TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June 1990
Assessment
of the Yankan’
Game Reserve, lviyeria Table 2.
Sources: Yankari Game Reserve and Tourism Company Ltd, 1987; Femi Olokesus, The Consrreinrs and Prospects of Tourism Development in Nigeria: The Case of Bauchi and Ogun States, NISER, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1987: SO. Oduola. Bauchi Stare Survey of Resources. NISER, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1980.
Animals commonly found at the Yankari Game Reserve.
English name
Biological name
Elephant Hippopotamus Buffalo Lion Roan antelope Western hartebeest Water buck Bush buck Oribi Grimm’s duiker fled-flanked duiker Baboon Tantalus monkey Patas monkey Nile criciduke Soft-shelled turtle Nile monitor Saddle bill stock White backed Abyssinian roller Guinea fowl Grey hornbill Cattle egret
Loxodonla Africana Hippopotamus Amphibus Sycerus Gaffer Panthere Leo Hippopotragus Equinus AIcelaphus Buse Lephus major Kobus Defassa Tregelaphus Scriptus Ourebia Ourebi Sy/vi~ppfa Grimmia Phacochoerus Ae~hiopicus PapM anubis Cercopithecus tantalvs E@hrocebus pafas Crocody/us niloticus Varanus Niloticus Trionyx friunguis fphipiorhynchus senegalesis Gyps bengalesis Coracias Abyssinia Numida melegris Tows nasutus Ardeola ibis
request for ~lO/n~ght, but if visitors bring their own tents, W/night is charged for space. There are bars and a cafeteria for visitors and staff. Major visitor activities Game viewing, swimming, boating, lawn tennis, squash, badminton
and table tennis constitute the most common visitor activities. Others, however, include walking, beer drinking and dancing. The charges for using facilities such as game viewing trucks, smaller vehicles, entrance fees, sport fishing and boating range from I% - W60, with FEi10.00being the average charge.
Ac~essi~ifity and visitors’ reception
The YGR can only be reached by road from Bauchi, although there is a landing strip for top government functionaries. The road distances between Bauchi and the international airports in Lagos, Kano, Maiduguri and Port Harcourt are 1208 km, 292 km, 462 km and 997 km respectively. Local as well as foreign visitors to the reserve usually travel by road from Jos airport, which is about 4.5 hours’ journey from the reserve. Since 1987, such visitors have been able to travel from Lagos to Bauchi airport by chartered flights and then continue the journey by road from Bauchi airport. Most foreign visitors normally book for a tour at Zaranda Hotel in Bauchi, where the YGR company has an office. Findings reveal that a good proportion of the foreign visitors visit the Table 3.
Types of accommodation
Type of accommodation
Notes: ‘Excludes
the statutory 10% service charge and 5% sales tax; meals cost between W5.00 and H20.00, with breakfast the cheapest: official exchange rates in January 1989 - El = #12.50: US$i = w7.00. Source: Yankari Company Ltd.
156
Game
Reserve
and Tourism
Executive suite Super suite VIP suite Special double Double rooms Conference half Disco hail Video hall
in the Yankari Game Reserve. Tariff
- rate/night (R)
150.00 120.00 60.00 45.00 35.00 100.00 50.Winight Free
TOURISM MANAGEMENT
Deposit (R) 300.00 250.00 120.00 80.00 70.00 na na Free
June 1990
Assessmem
of the Yankari Game Resene,
Nigeria
reserve for purely recreational purposes. The YGR has a number of vehicles that convey visitors to and from Bauchi. As indicated by Figure 3, patronage has been on the increase over the years, reaching its zenith in,the 1985 season. Non-Nigerians generally constitute about 5560% of all visitors, in a given season. The major reasons for the relatively low proportion of Nigerians are the rudimentary tourism culture, poor publicity and marketing strategies by the YGR management, the low disposable income of Nigerians as well as the low rate of motor vehicle ownership. On arrival, visitors are given red carpet treatment. Although the chalets are not luxurious, they are comfortable. The reserve staff normally briefs new visitors about the reserve - its history, policies, animals and catering services, among others. They are then taken round the various facilities as part of the reserve’s interpretation programme. The reserve’s educational facilities could however be greatly improved upon for the benefit of visitors. For example, the publicity material for visitors is slightly deficient with regard to codes of conduct. This is partly because of lack of a national tourism (including wildlife management) policy. Nevertheless, there are some official monitoring and management programmes, such as information campaigns to inform visitors about restricted areas, how not to disturb wandering animals - especially baboons - as \vell as the provision of signposts warning visitors about wild animals. Finally, although the publicity material does not contain any information on local culture and traditions, the management ensures that all visitors on game viewing trips are accompanied by guides.
Marketing of the reserve Marketing
30000
of the reserve
lacked
any discernible
strategy
until
1987.
i
24000 22000 20000 18000 16000 14000 12 000 10000 8000
Figure 3. Yankari 1987.
Total of patrons/year to Game Reserve, 1962/63-
Note: accounting
years changed in 1981.
6000 4000 2000
1962163
Source: As Figure 2.
TOURISM
64
65 66
67 68 69
70 71 72
73 74 75 76
77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85
86 87
Year
MANAGEMENT
June 1990
157
Assessment of the Yankari Game Reserve. Nigeria
Poor publicity within and outside the country has resulted in a situation where even many Nigerians do not know about the existence and potentials of the reserve. Also, apart from the few package tours during each year arranged by tour operators, foreign embassies and educational institutions, other visitors normally make personal travel plans to visit the reserve. The reserve management does not, either on its own or in collaboration with others, organize package tours. The reserve is included in some federal and state publications as a specific wildlife attraction, rather than being presented to potential visitors as part of a total tourism package for Nigeria. Empirical findings confirm that most local travel agencies, air and seaport terminals, as well as railway stations and hotels, do not have the reserve’s publicity material. The marketing techniques used may be classified into three. The first technique is the presentation of brochures on the reserve by the management during domestic (and recently foreign) specialized and general trade fairs and exhibitions. The second technique is the promotion of the reserve in government publications and paid advertisements in the print and electronic media. Finally, a few hotels, travel agencies, the Bauchi State Liaison Office in Lagos and the Bauchi State Ministry of Information carry some promotional materials on the reserve. The actual administration and running of the reserve passed from public sector responsibility to a publicly owned company in 1987. This management strategy was devised because the Bauchi state government wants the YGR to make a profit, which implies that the annual government subsidy made since 1962 would cease. Also, the government intends that the same company should manage all other resorts in the state in future.
Interaction between tourism, amenities and the environment It is only logical to consider the environment in its broadest possible sense in assessing the environmental impact of tourism on the reserve. Thus the socioeconomic and physical changes brought about by tourism are highlighted. Positive effects of tourism
Perhaps the most important benefit of tourism on the reserve is the creation of permanent employment for about 80 persons by the reserve management - this equates 1.41 jobs/bed. Bearing in mind the prevailing harsh economic conditions in the country, these employees have been taken off the unemployment market. Also, the reserve has succeeded in preserving many animals which would perhaps have been destroyed by hunters for commercial gain. Nearby farmers also benefit from the sale of chicken, beef and farm produce to the catering department of the reserve. Efforts are currently being made to supply electricity to the reserve from the Bauchi-Gombe road electricity line, a project that would benefit the scattered settlements strewn along the road to the reserve. Again, many artisans benefit from temporary employment during construction of buildings and recreational facilities on the reserve. The reserve also provides a market outlet for souvenirs and drinks of all kinds. In terms of income to the management of the reserve, the situation i: 158
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June 199C
Assessment of rhe Yankari Game Resenze. Nigeria
not good. as indicated by Figure 1. This is because, despite the general increase in the number of tourists, available data show that the revenue generated has not kept pace with expenditure, except in the 1966-67 season when a slight improvement in revenue occurred. Negative effects of tourism Effluent discharge. Waste water generated from chalets, staff houses, the catering building and other installed tourist facilities, is inevitably discharged into the groundwater regime, from where it finds its way into the springs and rivers. The groundwater and surface water are therefore adversely affected. Pollution of surface waters reduces their amenity value as tourist resources and often causes an impairment of water utilization downstream. Solid waste. The increase in tourism activities in the reserve has led to an increase in the quantity of solid waste that is generated. Solid waste collection and disposal are poorly managed. Thus, three poorly located and managed landfill sites/dumps are situated in the reserve. Findings confirms that disposal of solid waste is normally by open air incineration and unorganized cornposting methods. Also, visitors to the reserve discard waste both at tourist facilities and in the open fields. The cost of disposing of the waste is an expenditure almost entirely attributable to the visitors. Due to its biochemical and physical characteristics, outdoor waste is detrimental to the beauty of the landscape as well as being a breeding ground for vermin, rats and cockroaches. Proliferation of these organisms creates health hazards to both visitors and the reserve’s staff. Noise pollution. During peak periods, noise from tourists and viewing vehicles can intrude on the peaceful atmosphere of the reserve, thereby 240
240
g
120-
.= 7
loo-
FL z x
Figure 4. Seasonal expenditure revenue from 1962/63-l 975176.
and
80-
60 -
- 60
40 -
- 40
20 -
- 20
Source: A. Aliyo, ‘Tourist account of Yankari Game Reserve (1962~al)‘, term paper submitted to the Department of Resources Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1981.
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June
c: z -....:2= z c: ” $
z
~~~.-~~~
z
z
::
s
5 E
:: s
:: s .z > Z._-L1,,---
zz:,;;3;; z $
$
r. 511 2
6
z
YEIf
1990
159
Assessment of the Yankari Game Reserve, Nigeria
psychologically periods.
affecting animals, especially during mating and restin!
Air pollution.
Air pollution problems currently appear to be at the minimum. This is due to low vehicular traffic volumes and the virtua non-existence of industry. The only factory nearby is the Yankari spring water bottling plant, which poses no air pollution problem. Effect on flora. Removal of vegetation is necessary for the constructior of new chalets and recreational facilities. Thus, despite the importan roles played by vegetation, such as moisture retention and amelioratior of excessive run-off and erosion, it has to be destroyed. Also, the construction of viewing tracks has the effect of destroying vegetatior and the landscape, and causes exposure of trees on the edge of the cut tc other types of attack such as by wind and sun. Findings confirm that many trees have died due to this ‘edge effect’. Soil erosion is quite evident along the Randell Road as well as around the chalets and the reception building. Officially, agriculture is not permitted in the entire reserve area. However, cases of land encroachment by farmers owning land around the reserve exist. These farmers, who are basically peasant farmers. usually set fire to the bush before each cropping season, with the result that some flora in the reserve usually get scorched. Nomadic cattle rearers also contribute to flora loss in the reserve. Flora loss through cattle rearing on the reserve is not as significant as that from farming activities. Effect on fauna. During game viewing by tourists, certain animals that
are sensitive to intrusions are negatively affected by human sound and presence. Poachers are very active in the reserve, thereby causing the destruction of valuable animals. Discussion with the wildlife staff suggests that the game wardens do not collude with poachers. Although there is no available evidence to conclude otherwise, it is not impossible that some game wardens could compromise their integrity because of their poor conditions of service, societal demands and disloyalty. In mid-December 1988, two poachers were arrested for killing a female hippopotamus in the YGR, which is contrary to the state government Anti-Poaching Edict.’ Unlike the Kenyan National Park system the YGR has no ‘anti-harassment by the tourists unit’.
Tourist activities and implications regime
“Poachers invade Yankari’, Dai/y Times, Lagos, 12 December 1988, p 3.
160
of the new management
As indicated above, management of the reserve has been transferred to a publicly owned compnay. Perhaps the most important implication of this new management structure, is that of more aggressive marketing strategy, so that profits can be generated on a sustainable basis. Equally pertinent is the fact that since the state government has given the company instructions to provide more facilities and maintain existing ones, more chalets and diversified active recreational facilities might be provided. Officials interviewed expressed a desire to develop the image of the reserve more as a holiday resort and for conferences. It is also possible that staffing may be retrenched in a bid to reduce TOURISM MANAGEMENT June 1990
Assessment of the Yankari Game Reserve, Nigeria
overhead costs. Presumably, if the company could stand on its own, the financial resources being allocated to the YGR by the state government would be channelled into the development of other resorts, so that a package tour with visits to different destinations in the state became possible, economically viable and a significant attraction to visitors. The company, however, has an uphill task with regard to devising an appropriate marketing strategy at this time. Although the low value of the naira (the Nigerian currency) is favourable to international tourism, and since foreigners constitute a significant proportion of the clientele, the current poor marketing strategy may not be adequate for motivating more foreign visitors, especially in view of the insecurity of life and property in the country. This particular clientele should be encouraged nevertheless, because findings indicate that on average they spend more money than their Nigerian counterparts. Also, the company should encourage more middle class and upper class Nigerians to visit the reserve. In other words, the company should focus more on foreigners and the relatively affluent Nigerians who are the higher spenders. Increased marketing activity should lead to an increase in the number of visitors. Bearing in mind the facilities now available, and the possibly slow pace of physical expansion, the reserve should be able to cope with 45 000-50 000 visitors/year up to the year 2000. Beyond this threshold, visitor pressure on physical facilities would become unacceptable, which would increase biophysical degradation of the reserve. The adverse impact of increased visitor pressure on the ecology of the reserve needs to be adequately tackled by the management, if and when the situation arises. Currently, however, most local residents are favourably disposed towards tourist activities. No mention is made of any damage to the environment or intrusion by visitors. The farmers and petty traders in and around Minnaji and Dindima villages have tended to show a greater acceptance of tourists and tourism. They believe that tourism will improve their lot. A few farmers, however, believe that restrictions on hunting and farming activities in and around the reserve are detrimental to increased food production and supplies of animal products. Some in this group expressed anger at the regular destruction of their farm lands by some animals, especially the destruction of watermelon farms by elephants. Also, this group seems to condone the destruction of game by poachers, as well as bush fires. Obviously these people are interested in the current debate about ‘wildlife v jobs’ and ‘agriculture v conservation’.
Towards better resort management In view of the fact that nature preservation is the primary objective of the reserve, it is suggested that environmental degradation should be mitigated. Also, poaching, which has been on the increase recently, should be considerably reduced. Towards these ends, the following suggestions become pertinent. (a) Legislation for the protection of wildlife and nature conservation should be promulgated very soon. The legislation should have a clearly defined institutional framework for enforcement. (b) An enumeration of the flora and fauna resources of the reserve is long overdue. Such an exercise would help in determining the TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June 1990
161
Assessment of fhe Yankari Game Reserve, Nigena
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f) (g) (h) (i)
(j)
(k)
(I)
(m)
(n)
162
population density, biomass and structure which are prerequisites to proper game reserve management. A physical development plan for the reserve should be prepared with a view to aiding the orderly development of infrastructural facilities in the reserve. Also, the reserve’s management should develop a symbolic community of interest between itself and nearby village inhabitants. Sustainable agriculture is as important as conservation. Management should therefore produce a persuasive case for a special farming system that is ecologically and physically compatible with conservation objectives. Such a policy, if well designed, implemented and monitored, could lead to less annual bush fires and increased sensitivity to ecological issues on the part of the farming population. Visitors should be educated as to the benefits of environmental improvement and protection as well as to the disbenefits of degradation. Tourist brochures and video films could be used to discourage spoilage of the environment, The anti-poaching patrol team of the reserve needs to be better equipped. More vehicles, offensive weapons and hard boots are required. The management should investigate poaching incidents thoroughly to ensure that there is no collusion between poachers and the anti-poaching patrol team. Incentives should be provided for honest and hard working anti-poaching staff. More dustbins should be provided and at more locations, with clear signs indicating their location. The management should clean the reserve regularly. Solid waste should be composted rather than exposed, as currently. Within available resources, waste water should be treated before final discharge. Vegetation cover should be provided around the new reception building to reduce soil erosion, and there should be proper landscaping, with visible traffic signs and parking spaces. Organized retail outlets for farm produce, poultry and livestock should be explored by the Management Community Relations Committee, such that tourists to the reserve could purchase items during market days. In view of the fact that the YGR is one of the national parks and part of the worldwide system of protected areas, the government of Nigeria should establish a National Parks Commission to supervise all such protected areas. Such a commission would help in the preparation, adoption and implementation of physical plans for the parks. The commission would also serve as a link between parks in other countries and local parks, particularly in the area of information exchange and modern management techniques. Management should devise a better marketing strategy. More emphasis on publicity, package tours and other forms of promotion in airlines, major hotels and higher institutions of learning is imperative, if foreigners and local high spenders are to be attracted. Management should intensify its negotiations with the Bauchi state government and the National Electric Power Authority, so that the resort could be connected to the national electricity grid. Finally, management should initiate a series of seminars and workshops that would have wide appeal locally and internationally so that more visitors could visit the resort.
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June 1990
Assessment
of ihe Yank&
Game Reserve, ,Vigeriu
Conclusion There is ample evidence to support the assertion that tourism is already creating environmental problems in the reserve. In these austere times, neglect of the reserve could lead to a deterioration in environmental conditions. In view of the minimal damage done so far, greater efforts are called for on the part of the new management as well as visitors to improve the environmental conditions before irreversible changes occur.
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June 1990
163
This case study examines interrelationships of tourism development and the environment, broadly defined. It assesses and discusses: the natural setting of the Yankarf Game Reserve; socioeconomic dimensions such as available physical facilities, patronage, employment opportunities, management and its contributions to regional development; and ecological dimensions as they relate to waste management, flora and fauna protection. Observed damage to the resort environment is not critical at present, although certain mitigative measures need to be taken. Also, the reserve, if properly managed, offers tremendous positive regional socioeconomic impacts without unduly affecting the natural environment. An effective marketing strategy should be devised such that removal of government subsidy would not endanger Nigeria’s most popular game resort.
The Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State, Nigeria, is perhaps the most popular game reserve in the West African sub-region. Events leading to the establishment of the Yankari Game Reserve date back to 1953, although the first set of visitors arrived there in December 1962. The first legal backing for the preservation of the reserve is the Northern Region of Nigeria Law No 9 of 1957,’ which referred to the reserve as the Bauchi Native Authority Forest Reserve. The reserve was officially gazetted after independence. Prior to independence, management of the reserve was conducted by the Northern Region Game Preservation Unit of the Ministry of Animal and Forest Resources. After independence management, though still undertaken by the public sector, has changed from one ministry to another over the years. The Bauchi State Ministries of Agriculture and Forest Resources; and Commerce, Industry and Tourism have all managed the reserve. Since 1987, however, a publicly owned limited liability company, the Yankari Game Reserve, has managed its affairs.
Femi Olokesusi is Senior Research Fellow at NISER, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
The Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) covers an area of 2244.10 km* and is situated in the Duguri, Gwana and Pali Districts of the Alkaleri Local Government Area in Bauchi state, Nigeria (see Figure 1). By virtue of the landscape, which is open woodland rising from 215-369 metres above sea level, it offers a beautiful environment for visitors to see wildlife in its natural habitat undisturbed by excessive human activities. The Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) is located some 113 km south east of Bauchi town, and about 40 km from the River Gongola at Dindima bridge off the Gombe-Bauchi road. The whole reserve is situated on sedimentary rocks, from which five springs - Wikki, Mawulgo, Tungan Maliki, Gwang and Dimil emerge (see Figure 2). The Tungan Maliki is a cold spring while the others are warm. The Gwang is the largest, followed by Dimil, while the smallest is the Mawulgo. However, only Wikki has been developed, and used for recreation. This 2244.10 km2 of conserved area is but one of the 18 major nature conservation areas and wildlife parks in Nigeria, as shown by Table 1. There is at present no national wildlife area or park management system
The author acknowledges the research grant from NISER to carry out this study; however, the views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of NISER, Ibadan. Final draft submitted accepted July 1989.
January
‘Northern Region Government Law No 9, Kaduna, 1975.
0261-5177/90/020153-11
1989;
of Nigeria,
Location and topography of the Game Reserve
0 1990 Butterworth-Heinemann
Ltd
153
Assessmen!
of the Yankari
Game Reserve. Nigeria
BENUE
Makurdi
Yankari
Figure 1. Map of Nigeria location of Bauchi state.
showing
RIVERS
-
!
Tonao
-
AKWA
-
Came
Reserve
IBOM
“/,v/
Kalbm-Hills\
Long
REFERENCE Dry
season
Observation
Figure
2.
Yankari Reserve site.
Source: Yankari Game Reserve and Tourism Company Ltd, 1987.
154
road
track
ProDosed observation River Came Patrol Post Mileage 6 not
to
-----
Rfmi
track
C.P.P.
_._._
C.P.P.
scale
-1
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June
1990
Assessment Table 1.
List of conservation
Conservation
Sources: Federal Republic of Nigeria, Third National ~eve/~~fft Plan, National Planning Office, Lagos, 1975: Fourth ffa~iona/ Oevelopment P&I, National Planning Office, Lagos, 1980; Nigerian Conservation Foundation, ‘Conserve nature’s blessing’, advertisement in D&y Times, Lagos, 12 April 1987; Federal Capital Development Authority, Vte Master Plan ror Abuja, the New Federal Capita/ of Nigeria, FCDA, Lagos, 1979.
of
the Yank&
Game Reserve, Nigeria
areas already gazetted or piannad in Nigeria.
areas
Yankari Game Reserve Lame-Bura Game Reserve GashakaIGumti Game Reserve Kainji Lake National Park Pandam Wildlife Park Lake Chad Marshes Lekki Peninsula Sanctuary KagoroiNindam Forest Reserve Wase Game Reserve Okomu Game Resewe lfon Game Reserve Oluwa Forest Reserve Olokemeji Forest Reserve Obudu/Obu~~Okwango Game Reserve Hadejia Wetlands Reserve Upper Ogun Reserve Bobo Plains Zuma Hills National Park
State located Bauchl Bauchl Gongola Kwara Plateau Borno Lagos Plateau and Kaduna Plateau Bendel Ondo Ondo Ogun Cross River Kano OYO Abuja FCT Abuja FCT
in the country, although exchange of information and animals takes place among owners/managers of parks and reserves.
Objectives and potentials of the YGR The primary aim of establishing the YGR is the conservation of wildlife. Emanating from this primary aim is the objective of wise use of the resource (reserve) as a tourist resort for recreational purposes such as game viewing, boating and swimming, among others. Some inherent advantages of wildlife conservation include genetic presenation and diversity, flora and soil conservation , generation of employment as well as watershed management. The tourist potential of the YGR is tremendous, even though a small portion of the potential is currently being tapped. The Wikki Warm Spring This spring, after which the onfy and most important camp is named, is about 13.0 metres wide and 1.9 metres deep. It is used for sunbathing and canoeing. The temperature of the spring water remains relatively constant during both day and night at about 31.1”C The other germane tourist potential and facilities include the historic Dukkey wells, rich flora and fauna (see Table 2). There is a museum of natural history that is open to visitors. In the museum, relics of wildlife are kept with a brief history of their origin and characteristics. Also, the relics of animals retrieved from poachers are displayed here.
There is a reception complex which houses a conference hall with capacity for 100 people. The hall has its own coffee room and toilet facilities, as well as souvenir and provision shops. Cafering and accommodation facilities
The only available sets of chalets are at the Wikki camp, and. during the author’s visit, 113 furnished chalets were available (see Table 3). There is also a camping ground for tents and caravans not too far from the new squash court building. The hotel section hires out tents on TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June 1990
Assessment
of the Yankan’
Game Reserve, lviyeria Table 2.
Sources: Yankari Game Reserve and Tourism Company Ltd, 1987; Femi Olokesus, The Consrreinrs and Prospects of Tourism Development in Nigeria: The Case of Bauchi and Ogun States, NISER, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1987: SO. Oduola. Bauchi Stare Survey of Resources. NISER, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1980.
Animals commonly found at the Yankari Game Reserve.
English name
Biological name
Elephant Hippopotamus Buffalo Lion Roan antelope Western hartebeest Water buck Bush buck Oribi Grimm’s duiker fled-flanked duiker Baboon Tantalus monkey Patas monkey Nile criciduke Soft-shelled turtle Nile monitor Saddle bill stock White backed Abyssinian roller Guinea fowl Grey hornbill Cattle egret
Loxodonla Africana Hippopotamus Amphibus Sycerus Gaffer Panthere Leo Hippopotragus Equinus AIcelaphus Buse Lephus major Kobus Defassa Tregelaphus Scriptus Ourebia Ourebi Sy/vi~ppfa Grimmia Phacochoerus Ae~hiopicus PapM anubis Cercopithecus tantalvs E@hrocebus pafas Crocody/us niloticus Varanus Niloticus Trionyx friunguis fphipiorhynchus senegalesis Gyps bengalesis Coracias Abyssinia Numida melegris Tows nasutus Ardeola ibis
request for ~lO/n~ght, but if visitors bring their own tents, W/night is charged for space. There are bars and a cafeteria for visitors and staff. Major visitor activities Game viewing, swimming, boating, lawn tennis, squash, badminton
and table tennis constitute the most common visitor activities. Others, however, include walking, beer drinking and dancing. The charges for using facilities such as game viewing trucks, smaller vehicles, entrance fees, sport fishing and boating range from I% - W60, with FEi10.00being the average charge.
Ac~essi~ifity and visitors’ reception
The YGR can only be reached by road from Bauchi, although there is a landing strip for top government functionaries. The road distances between Bauchi and the international airports in Lagos, Kano, Maiduguri and Port Harcourt are 1208 km, 292 km, 462 km and 997 km respectively. Local as well as foreign visitors to the reserve usually travel by road from Jos airport, which is about 4.5 hours’ journey from the reserve. Since 1987, such visitors have been able to travel from Lagos to Bauchi airport by chartered flights and then continue the journey by road from Bauchi airport. Most foreign visitors normally book for a tour at Zaranda Hotel in Bauchi, where the YGR company has an office. Findings reveal that a good proportion of the foreign visitors visit the Table 3.
Types of accommodation
Type of accommodation
Notes: ‘Excludes
the statutory 10% service charge and 5% sales tax; meals cost between W5.00 and H20.00, with breakfast the cheapest: official exchange rates in January 1989 - El = #12.50: US$i = w7.00. Source: Yankari Company Ltd.
156
Game
Reserve
and Tourism
Executive suite Super suite VIP suite Special double Double rooms Conference half Disco hail Video hall
in the Yankari Game Reserve. Tariff
- rate/night (R)
150.00 120.00 60.00 45.00 35.00 100.00 50.Winight Free
TOURISM MANAGEMENT
Deposit (R) 300.00 250.00 120.00 80.00 70.00 na na Free
June 1990
Assessmem
of the Yankari Game Resene,
Nigeria
reserve for purely recreational purposes. The YGR has a number of vehicles that convey visitors to and from Bauchi. As indicated by Figure 3, patronage has been on the increase over the years, reaching its zenith in,the 1985 season. Non-Nigerians generally constitute about 5560% of all visitors, in a given season. The major reasons for the relatively low proportion of Nigerians are the rudimentary tourism culture, poor publicity and marketing strategies by the YGR management, the low disposable income of Nigerians as well as the low rate of motor vehicle ownership. On arrival, visitors are given red carpet treatment. Although the chalets are not luxurious, they are comfortable. The reserve staff normally briefs new visitors about the reserve - its history, policies, animals and catering services, among others. They are then taken round the various facilities as part of the reserve’s interpretation programme. The reserve’s educational facilities could however be greatly improved upon for the benefit of visitors. For example, the publicity material for visitors is slightly deficient with regard to codes of conduct. This is partly because of lack of a national tourism (including wildlife management) policy. Nevertheless, there are some official monitoring and management programmes, such as information campaigns to inform visitors about restricted areas, how not to disturb wandering animals - especially baboons - as \vell as the provision of signposts warning visitors about wild animals. Finally, although the publicity material does not contain any information on local culture and traditions, the management ensures that all visitors on game viewing trips are accompanied by guides.
Marketing of the reserve Marketing
30000
of the reserve
lacked
any discernible
strategy
until
1987.
i
24000 22000 20000 18000 16000 14000 12 000 10000 8000
Figure 3. Yankari 1987.
Total of patrons/year to Game Reserve, 1962/63-
Note: accounting
years changed in 1981.
6000 4000 2000
1962163
Source: As Figure 2.
TOURISM
64
65 66
67 68 69
70 71 72
73 74 75 76
77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85
86 87
Year
MANAGEMENT
June 1990
157
Assessment of the Yankari Game Reserve. Nigeria
Poor publicity within and outside the country has resulted in a situation where even many Nigerians do not know about the existence and potentials of the reserve. Also, apart from the few package tours during each year arranged by tour operators, foreign embassies and educational institutions, other visitors normally make personal travel plans to visit the reserve. The reserve management does not, either on its own or in collaboration with others, organize package tours. The reserve is included in some federal and state publications as a specific wildlife attraction, rather than being presented to potential visitors as part of a total tourism package for Nigeria. Empirical findings confirm that most local travel agencies, air and seaport terminals, as well as railway stations and hotels, do not have the reserve’s publicity material. The marketing techniques used may be classified into three. The first technique is the presentation of brochures on the reserve by the management during domestic (and recently foreign) specialized and general trade fairs and exhibitions. The second technique is the promotion of the reserve in government publications and paid advertisements in the print and electronic media. Finally, a few hotels, travel agencies, the Bauchi State Liaison Office in Lagos and the Bauchi State Ministry of Information carry some promotional materials on the reserve. The actual administration and running of the reserve passed from public sector responsibility to a publicly owned company in 1987. This management strategy was devised because the Bauchi state government wants the YGR to make a profit, which implies that the annual government subsidy made since 1962 would cease. Also, the government intends that the same company should manage all other resorts in the state in future.
Interaction between tourism, amenities and the environment It is only logical to consider the environment in its broadest possible sense in assessing the environmental impact of tourism on the reserve. Thus the socioeconomic and physical changes brought about by tourism are highlighted. Positive effects of tourism
Perhaps the most important benefit of tourism on the reserve is the creation of permanent employment for about 80 persons by the reserve management - this equates 1.41 jobs/bed. Bearing in mind the prevailing harsh economic conditions in the country, these employees have been taken off the unemployment market. Also, the reserve has succeeded in preserving many animals which would perhaps have been destroyed by hunters for commercial gain. Nearby farmers also benefit from the sale of chicken, beef and farm produce to the catering department of the reserve. Efforts are currently being made to supply electricity to the reserve from the Bauchi-Gombe road electricity line, a project that would benefit the scattered settlements strewn along the road to the reserve. Again, many artisans benefit from temporary employment during construction of buildings and recreational facilities on the reserve. The reserve also provides a market outlet for souvenirs and drinks of all kinds. In terms of income to the management of the reserve, the situation i: 158
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June 199C
Assessment of rhe Yankari Game Resenze. Nigeria
not good. as indicated by Figure 1. This is because, despite the general increase in the number of tourists, available data show that the revenue generated has not kept pace with expenditure, except in the 1966-67 season when a slight improvement in revenue occurred. Negative effects of tourism Effluent discharge. Waste water generated from chalets, staff houses, the catering building and other installed tourist facilities, is inevitably discharged into the groundwater regime, from where it finds its way into the springs and rivers. The groundwater and surface water are therefore adversely affected. Pollution of surface waters reduces their amenity value as tourist resources and often causes an impairment of water utilization downstream. Solid waste. The increase in tourism activities in the reserve has led to an increase in the quantity of solid waste that is generated. Solid waste collection and disposal are poorly managed. Thus, three poorly located and managed landfill sites/dumps are situated in the reserve. Findings confirms that disposal of solid waste is normally by open air incineration and unorganized cornposting methods. Also, visitors to the reserve discard waste both at tourist facilities and in the open fields. The cost of disposing of the waste is an expenditure almost entirely attributable to the visitors. Due to its biochemical and physical characteristics, outdoor waste is detrimental to the beauty of the landscape as well as being a breeding ground for vermin, rats and cockroaches. Proliferation of these organisms creates health hazards to both visitors and the reserve’s staff. Noise pollution. During peak periods, noise from tourists and viewing vehicles can intrude on the peaceful atmosphere of the reserve, thereby 240
240
g
120-
.= 7
loo-
FL z x
Figure 4. Seasonal expenditure revenue from 1962/63-l 975176.
and
80-
60 -
- 60
40 -
- 40
20 -
- 20
Source: A. Aliyo, ‘Tourist account of Yankari Game Reserve (1962~al)‘, term paper submitted to the Department of Resources Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1981.
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June
c: z -....:2= z c: ” $
z
~~~.-~~~
z
z
::
s
5 E
:: s
:: s .z > Z._-L1,,---
zz:,;;3;; z $
$
r. 511 2
6
z
YEIf
1990
159
Assessment of the Yankari Game Reserve, Nigeria
psychologically periods.
affecting animals, especially during mating and restin!
Air pollution.
Air pollution problems currently appear to be at the minimum. This is due to low vehicular traffic volumes and the virtua non-existence of industry. The only factory nearby is the Yankari spring water bottling plant, which poses no air pollution problem. Effect on flora. Removal of vegetation is necessary for the constructior of new chalets and recreational facilities. Thus, despite the importan roles played by vegetation, such as moisture retention and amelioratior of excessive run-off and erosion, it has to be destroyed. Also, the construction of viewing tracks has the effect of destroying vegetatior and the landscape, and causes exposure of trees on the edge of the cut tc other types of attack such as by wind and sun. Findings confirm that many trees have died due to this ‘edge effect’. Soil erosion is quite evident along the Randell Road as well as around the chalets and the reception building. Officially, agriculture is not permitted in the entire reserve area. However, cases of land encroachment by farmers owning land around the reserve exist. These farmers, who are basically peasant farmers. usually set fire to the bush before each cropping season, with the result that some flora in the reserve usually get scorched. Nomadic cattle rearers also contribute to flora loss in the reserve. Flora loss through cattle rearing on the reserve is not as significant as that from farming activities. Effect on fauna. During game viewing by tourists, certain animals that
are sensitive to intrusions are negatively affected by human sound and presence. Poachers are very active in the reserve, thereby causing the destruction of valuable animals. Discussion with the wildlife staff suggests that the game wardens do not collude with poachers. Although there is no available evidence to conclude otherwise, it is not impossible that some game wardens could compromise their integrity because of their poor conditions of service, societal demands and disloyalty. In mid-December 1988, two poachers were arrested for killing a female hippopotamus in the YGR, which is contrary to the state government Anti-Poaching Edict.’ Unlike the Kenyan National Park system the YGR has no ‘anti-harassment by the tourists unit’.
Tourist activities and implications regime
“Poachers invade Yankari’, Dai/y Times, Lagos, 12 December 1988, p 3.
160
of the new management
As indicated above, management of the reserve has been transferred to a publicly owned compnay. Perhaps the most important implication of this new management structure, is that of more aggressive marketing strategy, so that profits can be generated on a sustainable basis. Equally pertinent is the fact that since the state government has given the company instructions to provide more facilities and maintain existing ones, more chalets and diversified active recreational facilities might be provided. Officials interviewed expressed a desire to develop the image of the reserve more as a holiday resort and for conferences. It is also possible that staffing may be retrenched in a bid to reduce TOURISM MANAGEMENT June 1990
Assessment of the Yankari Game Reserve, Nigeria
overhead costs. Presumably, if the company could stand on its own, the financial resources being allocated to the YGR by the state government would be channelled into the development of other resorts, so that a package tour with visits to different destinations in the state became possible, economically viable and a significant attraction to visitors. The company, however, has an uphill task with regard to devising an appropriate marketing strategy at this time. Although the low value of the naira (the Nigerian currency) is favourable to international tourism, and since foreigners constitute a significant proportion of the clientele, the current poor marketing strategy may not be adequate for motivating more foreign visitors, especially in view of the insecurity of life and property in the country. This particular clientele should be encouraged nevertheless, because findings indicate that on average they spend more money than their Nigerian counterparts. Also, the company should encourage more middle class and upper class Nigerians to visit the reserve. In other words, the company should focus more on foreigners and the relatively affluent Nigerians who are the higher spenders. Increased marketing activity should lead to an increase in the number of visitors. Bearing in mind the facilities now available, and the possibly slow pace of physical expansion, the reserve should be able to cope with 45 000-50 000 visitors/year up to the year 2000. Beyond this threshold, visitor pressure on physical facilities would become unacceptable, which would increase biophysical degradation of the reserve. The adverse impact of increased visitor pressure on the ecology of the reserve needs to be adequately tackled by the management, if and when the situation arises. Currently, however, most local residents are favourably disposed towards tourist activities. No mention is made of any damage to the environment or intrusion by visitors. The farmers and petty traders in and around Minnaji and Dindima villages have tended to show a greater acceptance of tourists and tourism. They believe that tourism will improve their lot. A few farmers, however, believe that restrictions on hunting and farming activities in and around the reserve are detrimental to increased food production and supplies of animal products. Some in this group expressed anger at the regular destruction of their farm lands by some animals, especially the destruction of watermelon farms by elephants. Also, this group seems to condone the destruction of game by poachers, as well as bush fires. Obviously these people are interested in the current debate about ‘wildlife v jobs’ and ‘agriculture v conservation’.
Towards better resort management In view of the fact that nature preservation is the primary objective of the reserve, it is suggested that environmental degradation should be mitigated. Also, poaching, which has been on the increase recently, should be considerably reduced. Towards these ends, the following suggestions become pertinent. (a) Legislation for the protection of wildlife and nature conservation should be promulgated very soon. The legislation should have a clearly defined institutional framework for enforcement. (b) An enumeration of the flora and fauna resources of the reserve is long overdue. Such an exercise would help in determining the TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June 1990
161
Assessment of fhe Yankari Game Reserve, Nigena
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f) (g) (h) (i)
(j)
(k)
(I)
(m)
(n)
162
population density, biomass and structure which are prerequisites to proper game reserve management. A physical development plan for the reserve should be prepared with a view to aiding the orderly development of infrastructural facilities in the reserve. Also, the reserve’s management should develop a symbolic community of interest between itself and nearby village inhabitants. Sustainable agriculture is as important as conservation. Management should therefore produce a persuasive case for a special farming system that is ecologically and physically compatible with conservation objectives. Such a policy, if well designed, implemented and monitored, could lead to less annual bush fires and increased sensitivity to ecological issues on the part of the farming population. Visitors should be educated as to the benefits of environmental improvement and protection as well as to the disbenefits of degradation. Tourist brochures and video films could be used to discourage spoilage of the environment, The anti-poaching patrol team of the reserve needs to be better equipped. More vehicles, offensive weapons and hard boots are required. The management should investigate poaching incidents thoroughly to ensure that there is no collusion between poachers and the anti-poaching patrol team. Incentives should be provided for honest and hard working anti-poaching staff. More dustbins should be provided and at more locations, with clear signs indicating their location. The management should clean the reserve regularly. Solid waste should be composted rather than exposed, as currently. Within available resources, waste water should be treated before final discharge. Vegetation cover should be provided around the new reception building to reduce soil erosion, and there should be proper landscaping, with visible traffic signs and parking spaces. Organized retail outlets for farm produce, poultry and livestock should be explored by the Management Community Relations Committee, such that tourists to the reserve could purchase items during market days. In view of the fact that the YGR is one of the national parks and part of the worldwide system of protected areas, the government of Nigeria should establish a National Parks Commission to supervise all such protected areas. Such a commission would help in the preparation, adoption and implementation of physical plans for the parks. The commission would also serve as a link between parks in other countries and local parks, particularly in the area of information exchange and modern management techniques. Management should devise a better marketing strategy. More emphasis on publicity, package tours and other forms of promotion in airlines, major hotels and higher institutions of learning is imperative, if foreigners and local high spenders are to be attracted. Management should intensify its negotiations with the Bauchi state government and the National Electric Power Authority, so that the resort could be connected to the national electricity grid. Finally, management should initiate a series of seminars and workshops that would have wide appeal locally and internationally so that more visitors could visit the resort.
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June 1990
Assessment
of ihe Yank&
Game Reserve, ,Vigeriu
Conclusion There is ample evidence to support the assertion that tourism is already creating environmental problems in the reserve. In these austere times, neglect of the reserve could lead to a deterioration in environmental conditions. In view of the minimal damage done so far, greater efforts are called for on the part of the new management as well as visitors to improve the environmental conditions before irreversible changes occur.
TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
June 1990
163