Institutional Support, Household Ecotourism Income, and Environmental Awareness in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between institutional support, household ecotourism income, and environmental awareness among host community members in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the increasing environmental challenges confronting eco-hotspot communities despite ongoing ecotourism and conservation initiatives within the state. Specifically, the study investigated the extent to which household income generated from ecotourism and government support for ecotourism development influence environmental awareness among residents of host communities. A quantitative research approach employing a correlational survey design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted in selected eco-hotspot communities surrounding the Cross River National Park, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mbe Mountains Community Forest. The target population comprised 76,704 residents from 25 Support Zone Communities adjoining the protected areas. A sample size of 820 respondents was selected through purposive, stratified, proportionate, and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Questionnaire on Eco-Tourism and Environmental Awareness among Rural Communities in the Eco-Hotspot Communities of Cross River State. Data analysis was carried out using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that household income generated from ecotourism had a significant relationship with environmental awareness among host community members (r = .113, p < .05). The study further showed that government support for ecotourism development was significantly related to environmental awareness (r = .102, p < .05). The study concluded that institutional support and household economic benefits derived from ecotourism contribute significantly to environmental awareness and sustainable conservation behaviour in eco-hotspot communities of Cross River State. The study recommended stronger institutional support, improved environmental education, equitable benefit-sharing, and expanded community participation in ecotourism programmes to enhance environmental sustainability and conservation outcomes.