Assessment of Transport Accessibility Challenges to Owu Waterfalls Tourist Site in Kwara State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47514/kjg.2026.08.01.032Keywords:
Accessibility, Owu Waterfalls, Tourism, TransportAbstract
This study investigates the transportation accessibility challenges to Owu Waterfalls, a prominent tourist destination in Kwara State, Nigeria. Specifically, it analyzes transport-related challenges and evaluates how the availability and quality of transportation infrastructure affect tourist inflow. A quantitative survey-based approach was employed, administering structured questionnaires to 200 respondents selected through incidental sampling, with supplementary interview data used for instrument validation and triangulation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. Results show that transport-related variables collectively explain 80% of the variance in tourist inflow (Adjusted R² = 0.800), though other factors not captured in the model may also contribute, given sample size constraints and the cross-sectional nature of the data. Findings showed a positive influence of road quality (β =0.421, p < 0.05), transport accessibility (β = 0.345, p < 0.05), availability of public transport (β = 0.287, p < .05) as well as the negative effects of distance from urban centers (β = −0.75). Qualitative responses from community leaders confirmed that poor road conditions and limited public transport options are the primary deterrents The study concludes that challenges facing tourist inflow to Owu Waterfalls are primarily rooted in impeded transportation accessibility, poor road quality, and limited public transport availability. To address these challenges, the study recommends upgrading road networks leading to the site, introducing affordable shuttle services, and promoting public–private partnerships in transport provision. Beyond Owu Waterfalls, the findings and recommendations offer broader insights for enhancing accessibility at other rural tourist destinations in Nigeria and across Africa, where similar infrastructural and transport-related barriers constrain tourism development.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Olumuyiwa Tolulope Ogundele, Isah Alhaji Ibrahim, Akintola Kabir (Author)
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