Economic Analysis of Community-Based Ecotourism Potential in Kambari Forest, Kebbi State

Ecotourism represents a theoretically viable pathway for generating conservation-compatible income in forest areas where biodiversity values are significant but formal tourism infrastructure remains undeveloped. Kambari Forest in Kebbi State offers notable bird diversity, scenic river corridors, and cultural heritage assets, yet its ecotourism potential has never been formally assessed. This study conducts an economic analysis of community-based ecotourism potential in Kambari Forest, integrating biodiversity inventory, infrastructure assessment, and willingness-to-pay estimation. A biodiversity rapid assessment recorded key wildlife and botanical features relevant to tourism attraction. Infrastructure gap analysis documented access, accommodation, guiding capacity, and communication constraints. A contingent valuation survey was administered to 150 potential visitors recruited at regional tourist sites and urban recreation centres in Sokoto and Kebbi States, estimating willingness to pay for a structured forest ecotourism experience. Biodiversity highlights included populations of Nile crocodiles, several nationally rare bird species, and significant cultural forest groves. Average willingness to pay was estimated at N18,500 per visit, with younger, higher-income, and environmentally-educated respondents showing the highest values. Projected annual revenue under a conservative 500-visitor scenario exceeded management costs by a factor of three, assuming revenue retention at community level. Identified development prerequisites include road access improvement, trained local guide certification, and a formal management agreement between communities and the Kebbi State Forestry Commission. Keywords: ecotourism, economic analysis, willingness to pay, Kambari Forest, Kebbi State