Impact of tourism development on the quality of life of host communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria – Nature

Report on the Impact of Tourism Development on Quality of Life and Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria’s Niger Delta

1.0 Executive Summary

This report presents an empirical evaluation of the impact of tourism development on the Quality of Life (QOL) of residents in host communities within Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. The study analyzes the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental effects of tourism through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data was collected from 402 household heads in three host communities—Adiabo, Becheeve, and Akpap Okoyong—using a structured questionnaire and the WHOQOL-BREF assessment tool. Findings indicate that while tourism development yields positive impacts that align with several SDGs, it also presents significant negative consequences that undermine progress. Positive economic impacts contribute to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), while positive socio-cultural and environmental impacts support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Conversely, negative impacts challenge these same goals and create obstacles for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The report concludes that achieving sustainable tourism requires integrated policies that mitigate negative effects and actively involve local communities in decision-making, in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

2.0 Introduction and Study Objectives

The tourism industry is a significant global economic sector with the potential to drive development. This study shifts the focus from purely economic benefits to a holistic assessment of tourism’s impact on the QOL of host communities in the Niger Delta, a region rich in biodiversity but challenged by environmental degradation from oil exploration. The objective is to evaluate how tourism development aligns with or contradicts the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by examining its multifaceted impacts.

The primary objectives were to:

1. Ascertain the socio-cultural impacts of tourism development on host communities and their contribution to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
2. Evaluate the economic impacts of tourism development on the QOL of residents, focusing on progress towards SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
3. Assess the environmental impacts of tourism development and their implications for SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

3.0 Methodology

A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed for this study. The research methodology is summarized as follows:

• Study Area: The Niger Delta region of Nigeria, specifically the host communities of the Tinapa Business Resort, Obudu Mountain Resort, and Mary Slessor Cottage.
• Sampling: A two-stage cluster sampling method was used to select a random sample of 402 heads of households from three host communities. The final response rate was 99.3% (399 participants).
• Data Collection: Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic items, questions on the perceived impacts of tourism, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) assessment.
• Data Analysis: Statistical analysis was conducted using frequencies, means, standard deviation, ANOVA, and linear regression to test the study’s hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level.

4.0 Analysis of Findings: Tourism’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

The analysis revealed a dual impact of tourism development on the QOL of residents, with both positive contributions and negative detractions from the SDGs.

4.1 Economic Impacts: Progress and Challenges for SDG 1, SDG 8, and SDG 10

The economic effects of tourism directly influence the financial well-being of residents and the economic stability of the communities.

• Positive Economic Impacts (Contributing to SDG 1 & SDG 8): The study found that tourism development significantly increased employment and business opportunities, raised household incomes, and offered income stability. These outcomes directly support the targets of SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating pathways out of poverty and fostering local economic activity.
• Negative Economic Impacts (Challenging SDG 10 & SDG 11): Conversely, tourism was found to increase the cost of living, real estate values, and prices of local goods and services. These inflationary pressures can exacerbate economic disparities and threaten housing affordability for local residents, thereby challenging the aims of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

4.2 Socio-Cultural Impacts: Aligning with SDG 11 while Threatening SDG 3 and SDG 16

Tourism’s interaction with local culture and society presents both opportunities for enhancement and risks of degradation.

• Positive Socio-Cultural Impacts (Contributing to SDG 9 & SDG 11): Residents reported that tourism led to upgraded transportation systems and public infrastructure, an increase in recreational facilities, and the preservation of historical sites and local culture. These developments align with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and the goal of safeguarding cultural heritage under SDG 11.
• Negative Socio-Cultural Impacts (Challenging SDG 3 & SDG 16): The study also identified a significant increase in social problems, including crime, alcohol and drug abuse, and prostitution. These issues, along with traffic congestion and cultural conflicts, negatively impact community safety and well-being, undermining SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

4.3 Environmental Impacts: A Conflict Between Conservation and Degradation (SDG 11, 12, 14, 15)

The natural environment is both a primary asset for tourism and a victim of its potential excesses.

• Positive Environmental Impacts (Contributing to SDG 14 & SDG 15): Tourism development was perceived to provide incentives for the preservation of natural resources and increase community awareness of nature. This conservationist aspect supports the protection of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as outlined in SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Negative Environmental Impacts (Challenging SDG 11, 12, 13, 14, 15): The most significant negative impacts were environmental. Residents reported increased garbage, damage to natural landscapes, and pollution of air, water, and soil. These outcomes are in direct conflict with goals for sustainable communities (SDG 11), responsible consumption (SDG 12), and the protection of ecosystems (SDG 13, 14, 15).

5.0 Conclusion and Policy Recommendations for Achieving the SDGs

5.1 Conclusion

Tourism development in the Niger Delta region has a paradoxical effect on the QOL of host communities and their progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. While it provides clear economic and cultural benefits that advance goals related to poverty, economic growth, and infrastructure, its negative environmental and social consequences pose a substantial threat to sustainable development. The findings underscore that without strategic management, tourism can degrade the very resources upon which it depends and worsen inequalities, thereby failing to deliver on its promise as a tool for sustainable and inclusive development.

5.2 Policy Recommendations

To harness the positive potential of tourism while mitigating its adverse effects, the following policy actions are recommended:

1. Enhance Community Participation and Governance (SDG 10, SDG 16, SDG 17): Local communities must be actively involved in the planning and decision-making processes for tourism development. Establishing inclusive governance structures ensures that local needs are met, benefits are distributed more equitably, and conflicts are minimized, thereby strengthening institutions as per SDG 16 and reducing inequalities as per SDG 10.
2. Implement Policies for Sustainable Management (SDG 11, SDG 12): Governments and tourism operators must adopt and enforce policies aimed at mitigating negative environmental and social impacts. This includes investing in waste management systems, promoting eco-friendly practices, and implementing measures to control crime and manage the cost of living. Such actions are crucial for achieving SDG 11 and promoting patterns of responsible consumption under SDG 12.
3. Foster Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (SDG 17): Collaboration between government, the private sector, and local communities is essential for creating a sustainable tourism model. These partnerships, central to SDG 17, can facilitate the development of eco-friendly initiatives and ensure that tourism contributes positively and lastingly to the QOL and the broader sustainable development agenda.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the impact of tourism development in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by examining the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental effects on the quality of life of host communities. The following SDGs are relevant:

• SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses how tourism development can reduce poverty and increase household incomes, directly connecting to the goal of eradicating poverty.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The core focus of the study is the “quality of life” (QOL) of residents, which is a central component of this goal. It assesses physical, psychological, and social well-being and also touches upon negative impacts like pollution and social problems (drug abuse, crime) that affect health.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article extensively evaluates the economic impacts of tourism, including the creation of “employment and business opportunities,” income generation, and entrepreneurial development, which are key aspects of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The positive impacts of tourism on infrastructure are mentioned, specifically the upgrading of “transportation system of the host communities” and “public infrastructure.”
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – This goal is addressed through multiple themes in the article:
  • The preservation of cultural and natural heritage is discussed as a positive outcome, as tourism helps “preserve historical sites and structures” and encourages “conservation of culture.”
  • The negative environmental impacts, such as an “increase in the amount of garbage,” traffic congestion, and pollution, relate to making human settlements sustainable.
  • The call for active community involvement in planning and decision-making aligns with creating inclusive and participatory communities.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The article highlights both the positive and negative environmental impacts on the local ecosystem. It mentions tourism provides “incentives to preserve natural resources” but also leads to “damages to natural landscapes” and “ecological disturbances” in the Niger Delta, a region known for its rich biodiversity and wetlands.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article touches upon this goal by identifying negative social impacts like an “increase in social problems like crime.” Furthermore, its recommendation for involving “local communities… in the decision-making processes” to ensure their needs are met speaks directly to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues discussed, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 8.9: “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.”
   
   Explanation: The entire study evaluates the impacts of tourism with the aim of recommending “efficient and effective policies and strategies.” It highlights job creation (18.8% of respondents work in tourism) and the promotion of local culture (“conservation of culture, cultural values and local crafts”) as key outcomes.
2. Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.”
   
   Explanation: The article identifies that a positive socio-cultural impact of tourism is that it “helps to preserve historical sites and structures” and provides “incentives to preserve natural resources.” This directly aligns with the safeguarding of cultural and natural heritage.
3. Target 11.6: “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.”
   
   Explanation: The study explicitly identifies negative environmental impacts that this target aims to reduce, including an “increase in the amount of garbage” (waste management) and “air, water, soil and sound pollutions” (air quality and pollution).
4. Target 1.2: “By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.”
   
   Explanation: The article states that a positive economic impact of tourism is its ability to “reduce poverty” and increase household incomes, directly contributing to this poverty reduction target.
5. Target 15.1: “By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.”
   
   Explanation: The study is set in the Niger Delta, “Nigeria’s largest wetland.” It discusses the dual environmental impact of tourism: providing “incentives to preserve natural resources” while also causing “damages to natural landscapes” and “ecological disturbances.” This directly relates to the sustainable use and conservation of wetland ecosystems.
6. Target 16.7: “Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.”
   
   Explanation: A key recommendation of the study is that “Local communities should be actively involved in the decision-making processes towards tourism development to ensure their perspectives are considered and their needs are met.” This highlights the importance of participatory decision-making for sustainable development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 8.9 (Sustainable Tourism & Jobs):
  • Percentage of the local population employed in the tourism sector: The article provides a specific figure, stating that “as much as 18.8% work in the tourism sector.”
  • Household income levels: The study measures the monthly income of residents, noting that tourism “increases household incomes” and providing data such as “63.4% of the respondents earn a monthly income of one hundred thousand Naira (N100,000).”
• Indicator for Target 1.2 (Poverty Reduction):
  • Proportion of the population living below the national minimum wage: The article provides a direct measurement, stating that “only 9.8% earned below thirty thousand Naira (the national minimum wage at the time of data collection).”
• Indicator for Target 11.6 (Waste & Pollution):
  • Residents’ perception of pollution and waste levels: The study uses mean scores from a survey to quantify residents’ agreement that tourism leads to an “increase in the amount of garbage” and “air, water, soil and sound pollutions.” These perception scores serve as a qualitative indicator of environmental quality.
• Indicator for SDG 3 (Well-being):
  • Quality of Life (QOL) scores: The study explicitly uses the “World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) assessment questionnaire” to measure the QOL of residents. It reports mean scores for different demographic groups (e.g., “residents who were single had the highest mean QOL score (52.85)”).
• Indicator for Target 16.7 (Participatory Decision-Making):
  • Level of community involvement in planning (Implied): While not measured directly, the article’s strong recommendation for community involvement implies that the current level is an area for improvement. A future indicator could be the “proportion of local community representatives in tourism planning bodies.”

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nature.com