Socioeconomic Characteristics and Host Community Participation in The Management of Tourism Facilities in Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between the socioeconomic characteristics of host communities and their participation in the management of tourism facilities in Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria. A quantitative approach and non-experimental survey design were adopted. The primary sources of data consist of field surveys and field observations, while the secondary sources of data consist of journal articles, textbooks, conference papers and other literary materials. The study covered seven host communities within a 1 km buffer of the reserve, such as Yalo, Pali, Jada, Mai’ari, Digare, Mansur, and Guruza. A sample of 374 household heads was proportionately allocated across the communities using simple random sampling. Of the questionnaires administered, 366 valid responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test of independence. The findings revealed that community participation was generally moderate, with 44.8% of respondents reporting moderate involvement, while only 6.6% indicated full involvement. Recreational facilities constituted the most common area of community participation (35.5%). Regarding decision-making, 35.5% reported being consulted without having the final say, while 23.0% had no decision-making power. Inadequate funding (30.1%), insufficient community participation (29.8%), and limited technical expertise (18.3%) were the major constraints. Chi-square analysis established statistically significant associations between participation and nine socioeconomic characteristics: education, ethnicity, age, occupation, marital status, income, duration of residence, sex, and religion (p < 0.05). Household size showed no significant association (p = 0.918). The study concludes that socioeconomic characteristics are significantly associated with host community participation in tourism facility management. It recommends establishing inclusive community-based management committees, providing regular capacity-building programmes, improving funding mechanisms, and expanding equitable access to tourism-related economic opportunities to strengthen community participation and promote sustainable tourism facility management.