Evaluating the Impact of Boko Haram Terrorism on Yankari Game Reserve as a Tourist Resort in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Due to the importance of tourism industry to the global economy, many researchers and practitioners all over the world are making efforts in finding causes of different social conflicts in the world and the effects on tourism and other related industries. This research examined the impact of Boko Haram activities onYankari game reserve in Bauchi State, Nigeria with particular emphasis on accommodation and recreational activities in the reserve. Both secondary and primary data sources were used A survey design was employed. The study used epistemological research and adopted an exploratory approach because it has little information with regards to Yankari game reserve and Boko Haram terroris. The population of the study was the staff of the game reserve and those concerned with accommodations, game viewing and recreational services. The primary data were collected through structured, closed-end questionnaire which has been found convenient by the researchers. .In addition interviews were conducted with senior management staff of the game reserve. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that most staff of Yankari game reserve was mindful of the activities of Boko Haram and their impacts on Yankari Game Reserve, noting drastic decline in tourist traffic and room occupancy .Providing job opportunities, beefing up security and public enlightenment on the ills of terrorism on the economy have been recommended as some of the remedies for addressing the problem