Gully Erosion and Its Implications for Tourism Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Activities in Cross River State, Nigeria
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Abstract
This study examines gully erosion and its implications for tourism infrastructure and socioeconomic activities in Cross River State, Nigeria, with particular emphasis on (i) the socioeconomic activities contributing to gully erosion and (ii) the spatial distribution and severity of gully erosion in the study area and (iii) How do gully erosion and associated socioeconomic activities affect tourism infrastructure, accessibility, and destination image. The population of the study comprised 8,921 stakeholders drawn from erosion-prone and tourismactive communities, including residents, tourism operators, and institutional stakeholders within Cross River State. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, integrating structured questionnaire surveys, field observations, spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and secondary data sources. A multi-stage probability sampling technique was used to select a sample of 400 respondents, ensuring representativeness and minimizing selection bias. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and spatial analytical techniques in line with the research objectives. Findings revealed that major socio-economic drivers of gully erosion include deforestation, sand mining, agricultural land expansion, farming on steep slopes, urbanization, quarrying, and poor waste disposal practices, indicating that human land-use activities are the primary contributors to environmental degradation in the study area. The study further found that gully erosion is
spatially clustered, widespread, and severe, with multiple active erosion sites characterized by increasing depth, width, and expansion rates, many of which are located in proximity to tourism corridors and infrastructure. The study concludes that socio-economic activities significantly contribute to the intensification of gully erosion, while the spatial pattern of erosion poses serious threats to tourism infrastructure, accessibility, and destination
sustainability. It recommends strengthened land-use regulation, integrated environmental management, and the application of GIS-based monitoring systems to mitigate erosion risks and promote sustainable tourism development in Cross River State.
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