Favour Avyon Adashu

Tourism is widely acknowledged as a potential engine of economic growth and poverty reduction, particularly in developing countries. This research investigates the impact of tourist growth on poverty reduction in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. The study concentrated on its contributions, problems, and ideas for increasing its pro-poor effect. The questionnaire was applied to obtain data from 400 respondents. The data were examined descriptively. The findings show a clear consensus that tourism may greatly help to poverty reduction, with job creation and income generation highlighted as main advantages. However, fundamental constraints such as inadequate infrastructure, poor security, and little government backing impede tourist expansion. Respondents significantly approve policies such as government infrastructure investment, enhanced security measures, entrepreneurial training, awareness campaigns, and community participation in tourist planning. The study indicates that tourism has significant potential for poverty reduction in Wukari LGA, and that focused interventions are required to solve its obstacles for long-term and inclusive growth.