AN ASSESSMENT OF PARTICIPATION IN OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN YENAGOA TOWN
AN ASSESSMENT OF PARTICIPATION IN OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN YENAGOA TOWN
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Date
2014-09
Authors
DICKSON, ZUOWEI
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
This research work assessed the level of participation in outdoor recreation in Yenagoa town,
Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study covered ten wards in which the town is organised, using one
ward each for investigations into the availability of outdoor recreation facilities, access to them
and the general pattern of recreation practices among the residents of the town. The ten
communities were selected on the basis of the level of concentration and size of the population,
with the highest being taken for the purpose of sampling. A sample size of 0.87% of the total
population (42,463) was used based on sample size determining criteria by Krejcie and Morgan
(1970) and 368 (0.87%) questionnaires were administered to household heads in the 10 sampled
communities. Relevant data were obtained on the subject, with the result revealing that
recreation facilities are abundantly provided in the town and most residents were aware of their
existence. However, with the exemption of football facilities, most residents would not patronize
the facilities provided, although no apparent barriers to access for the facilities are in place and
people are free to use them. It is subsequently shown from the data that a number of factors play
important roles in limiting the level of participation including ignorance of the benefit of
recreation, income level of the respondents and distance from the facilities. The result is a low
level of participation with only 18% of respondents indicating regular participation. Addressing
these hindrances, proposals were made to encourage more participation across the population
spectrum in active recreation participation in the town. It is envisaged that this will also serve
as an example for other towns in the country.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA IN PARTIAL
FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD
OF M.SC IN (TOURISM AND RECREATION PLANNING)
DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING
FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
Keywords
ASSESSMENT, PARTICIPATION, OUTDOOR, RECREATION, YENAGOA, TOWN