Assessment of the Strategies for Improving Agro-Tourism in Selected Farming Cohorts in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State, Nigeria

Agro-tourism is a combination of agriculture and tourism; two large sectors and there is a lot of potential from it. Therefore, this study sought to assess the strategies engaged by those who carry out agro-tourism in improving this vital sector. This study was carried out in rural farm settlements in Kaiama Local Government Area and applied the use of an in- depth interview based on the set objectives of this study. A total of thirty-six (36) farmers drawn from 3 wards in Kaiama Local Government Area form the study population. It was ascertained that 5 wards were involved in agro-tourism but due to convenience, easy accessibility and security reasons., the 3 wards were selected. The wards selected include Gwanabe ward 1, Gwanabe ward 2 and Kaiama ward 2. Subsequently, six (6) communities heavily involved in agro-tourism were selected randomly from the three (3) wards. These communities are Woro, Maje and Vera under Gwanabe ward 1, Aboki and Gurya under Gwanabe ward 2 and finally Kuligizin under Kaiama ward 2. The purposive sampling method was used to select six (6) respondents each from the selected communities. Data for this study was analysed through content analysis where the responses of the respondents were interpreted, transcribed with necessary quotations to support the issues been discussed. The results show that some ethnic groups involved in agro-tourism in the area include: Fulani, Yoruba, Kambari, Igbo, Bussa, Tiv, Igala, Zabarma and some immigrants from West African countries of Ghana (Ghanaians), Togo (Togolese) and Benin Republic (Beninese). The activities are carried out in clusters and they include crop farming, hunting, livestock farming and marketing. The strategies applied in improving agro-tourism include obtaining financial aid from politicians and their cluster associations, hiring of man power, creation of awareness by agro-extension workers and formation of association amongst the various clusters. The study therefore concluded that the strategies employed in the study area are impactful and could increase the potentials of agro-tourism.