Analysis of factors enhancing special needs people participation in recreation and cultural tourism activities in Osogbo Metropolis, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Participation in recreation and cultural tourism is a therapy because it is directly related to improving people’s quality of life. This study analysed factors enhancing special needs people participation in recreation and cultural tourism activities in Osogbo metropolis, Osun state. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select one hundred and ten (110) respondents. Data were collected, analysed and interpreted from questionnaire administered to registered members of JONAPWD, an association of special needs in Olorunda and Osogbo Local Government Areas purposively. This was subjected to statistical analysis using tools such as tables, frequency counts, percentages and Chi-square (X²). Hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance shows that there is a significant relationship between compatibility of infrastructure with special needs people status and cultural tourism activities participation. Also, there is a significant relationship between constraints being faced by special need people and cultural tourism participation. It was thus concluded that the major constraints that hinder participation of special needs people in cultural tourism activities include the physical environment, economic conditions and societal attitude in Osogbo Metropolis. It was recommended that in planning of infrastructural projects for special needs people, they should be part of decision making team. Their representative should also be included in implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the development of tourism infrastructural projects. Government (Local, State and Federal) should assist special needs people in cultural tourism participation by providing fund to train interested individuals who wish to acquire specific skills for the production of cultural items such as batik, tie and dye, bead, art work and painting, carving, leather work, pottery and mat weaving which serve as souvenirs and be sold to both local and international tourists to empower this population.