Challenges Facing Eco-Tourism Development in Yankari National Park, Bauchi State, North East Nigeria

This study examines the challenges confronting ecotourism development at Yankari National Park, a major wildlife reserve in Bauchi State, North East Nigeria. As one of West Africa's premier game reserves, Yankari hosts diverse fauna including elephants, baboons, and numerous bird species. However, the park's tourism potential has been undermined by institutional, infrastructural, and security-related challenges. Using a descriptive survey approach, data are gathered from 140 respondents comprising park rangers, management staff, local community members, and domestic tourists through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Key findings indicate that inadequate funding, deterioration of visitor facilities, limited marketing outreach, and insecurity concerns in the broader north-eastern region are the most significant obstacles to sustainable ecotourism growth. Additionally, human-wildlife conflict and deforestation by surrounding communities threaten biodiversity and the park's natural appeal. The study recommends increased federal budgetary allocation to Yankari, community-based conservation programmes providing alternative livelihoods to local residents, and strategic security collaboration with state authorities. Targeted digital marketing campaigns aimed at domestic tourists are also proposed. These measures are expected to revitalise Yankari as a flagship ecotourism destination contributing to North East Nigeria's economic recovery. Keywords: ecotourism, Yankari National Park, wildlife conservation, Bauchi, sustainable tourism