ANALYSIS OF THE POTENTIALS OF DADIN-KOWA AND BALANGA DAM SITES FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This research examined the potentials of Dadin-Kowa and Balanga dam sites for sustainable
tourism development in Gombe State. The study mapped out the physical setting of Dadin-Kowa
and Balanga dam sites, identified the Dadin-Kowa and Balanga dams potentials for sustainable
tourism development and the constraints that delimit the development of the dam sites for tourism
development. The methods used for data collection were administration of 130 questionnaires and
ground truthing as well as weighing of the various variables of the individual dam sites. The data
were analyzed using descriptive analysis (tables), inferential statistics (one sample test) and spatial
analysis (GIS). The research revealed that the volume of water in the two dams is adequate for
domestic use, HEP generation, irrigation and tourism industry. It also depicts that the physical
setting in form of scenery and open spaces around Dadin-Kowa dam constitute 21.28km2
(21.28%)
while Balanga dam has 19.61km2
(19.61%). Constraints delimiting the development of the dam sites
and their test values include insufficiency of funds (49.2) and lack of awareness (37.4). Sequel to
these findings, it is recommended that government recognizes the potentials for developing the dam
sites for tourism, draws out a comprehensive plan and commits sufficient funds for total
development and monitoring of the industry in the state.