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Harnessing the Potentials of Caves and Rock-Shelters for Geotourism Development in Mmaku and Achi on Nsukka-Okigwe Cuesta, Nigeria

2018; Volume: 4; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.20431/2455-0043.0402003

2455-0043

Chidinma Chris Oguamanam, Emeka E. Okonkwo,

Geotourism and Geoheritage Conservation

The Nsukka-Okigwe cuesta trending north-south is seen by Afigbo (1976;1981) as the route of migration of the Igbo ancestors from the Benue confluence to Nsukka cuesta and this spread along the cuesta to other parts of Igbo land.This assertion was not however based on any archaeological data.Even though limited archaeological studies in parts of the cuesta have shown copious evidence of human activities and material remains of past populations.These sites, which are potential centres for tourist attraction if given the required attention, include abandoned occupation sites such as caves and rock shelters (Kitson 1913;Okafor 1993;Anozie 1979; Ibeanu 2000).Caves and rock shelters which are the main focus of this research abound in some parts of Igbo land and are rich natural attractions which when developed will not only bring development and source of revenue to the state, but also to the community in which they are located.Mmaku and Achi located on the Central of Nsukka-Okigwe cuesta have very high concentration of caves and rock shelters.This means that there is a considerable range in the relative abundance of archaeological sites on this part of the cuesta than the other parts, which suggest that we have a high degree of clustering of archaeological sites which can be developed to promote tourism in these areas through careful planning as have been done in different part of the country.Examples are the Marshal cave in Yankari, Bauchi State and Ogbunike cave in Anambra State.Compared to other industries which have witnessed several fluctuation and frequent sharp decline, tourism has rarely fallen into a serious long term down-turn (Hawkins, 1993), thus making it one of the world"s most dependable revenue earners.In the Tourism industry, resources are relatively inexhaustible and technological demands are comparatively low.While tourism projects come generally on-stream more quickly than other development projects, their pay back periods are lengthy and as a result, the sector has been identified by the world as having the key to present and future growth that could help ensure balance of payment equilibrium for many nations currently facing foreign currency squeeze and huge foreign debts.Some authors consider cave tourism as one of the oldest form of geotourism (Bourne, et. al. 2008).Its definition (geographical tourism) has been heavily influenced by the National Geographic Society