Assessment of Heritage Site Management at Sukur Cultural Landscape, Adamawa State

The Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999, represents one of Nigeria's most internationally recognized archaeological and cultural assets. Despite this recognition, questions persist about the effectiveness of on-ground management, community participation, and the integration of local governance structures into formal conservation frameworks. This study assesses the current state of heritage management at Sukur, drawing on field visits, structured interviews with community leaders and Hidi palace officials, and review of available management plan documentation. The research evaluates site conditions across three spatial zones, including the palace complex, terraced agricultural fields, and iron smelting remains, against the benchmarks established in UNESCO's Outstanding Universal Value statement. Findings indicate significant gaps between documented management intentions and observable site conditions, particularly regarding visitor infrastructure, boundary demarcation, and the mainstreaming of youth in heritage activities. The study also identifies emerging threats from climate-induced erosion affecting terrace walls and from renewed agricultural pressure on buffer zones. Drawing on recent frameworks for participatory World Heritage management in sub-Saharan Africa, the study recommends a revised community co-management model that redistributes interpretive and stewardship responsibilities to the Sukur Traditional Council. The findings contribute to undergraduate-level understanding of heritage management theory applied to a live Nigerian case. Keywords: Sukur, World Heritage, heritage management, Adamawa State, community participation.