The Contribution of Pilgrimage Center to Community Development through Ecotourism Activities at Local level in Ethiopia: The case of Faraqassa Pilgrimage Center
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Date
2020-05
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A.A.U
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze the contribution of pilgrimage center to community development through ecotourism activities at local level in Ethiopia looking at the practices of Faraqassa pilgrimage. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a descriptive research design was used, and mixed data were collected. As for the sources used, both primary and secondary data were used for the completion of the intended study. A total of 80 study samples were selected, out of which 70 were selected at the household level and 10 key informants were selected from the pilgrimage center and kebele administration offices through a purposive and convenience sampling method. During data collections, 66 open and closed-ended questionnaires were used in combination with 10 semi-structured interviews, and Regarding the results, the study revealed the direct and indirect contributions of the pilgrimage center to the local community in economic, social and cultural aspects by creating business opportunities related to the flow of pilgrims, arbitration of conflicts, funding the construction of schools and pavement road facilities, etc. The study also revealed about problems that hinder the ecotourism development and the contribution the local community gets from the pilgrimage including problems like Awareness gaps towards tourism business, lack of capital and technical support, less concern to the hospitality-related investments, theft and robbery on the pilgrimage center and its pilgrims, lack of electricity infrastructure, illegal dwelling. There the researcher put recommendations for the problems like narrowing awareness gaps, facilitating betterment of technical support and credits provision for potential investors, prevention of thefts and robberies was also recommended and all stakeholders to give attention and focus for the tourism and hospitality investment opportunities that benefit the local community.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Public Administration and Development Management of Addis Ababa University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters in Public Management and Policy (MPMP)
Keywords
Community development and contribution, Ecotourism, Pilgrimage