Socio-Economic Effects of Awash National Park on Residents of Awash Sebat Kilo Town
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Date
2025-07-01
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
National Parks used to be seen as just National Reserves for contemplation and conservation, but have been gradually considered as sites which to some extent may contribute to the development and enhancement of local communities, The existence of positive socioeconomic effects consequent on the establishment of National Parks are assumed such as revenues derived from tourism and brand driven identity, creation of local employment and aids for rural development projects (Mills, 2002). The main objective of this study was to examine the overall socio-economic effects of Awash National Park on the residents of Awash Sebat Kilo Town, with particular emphasis on its tourist attractions, social and economic impacts, and the role of key stakeholders. Awash National Park is one of nature based Recreationl sites in Ethiopia for its impressive Landscape and diversity of Fauna and Flora.The ANP has the Socio-economic Impacts on the development of Awash Sebat Kilo Town. The Park is Economically significant, because it diversifies the economy, increases income regeneration for Residents, increases local government revenue in the form of direct and indirect taxes,brings foreign exchange to a Country, improves production, increases GDP(Gross Domestic Product), creates employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers and contributes to the development and expansion of various economic sectors and activities such as Agriculture. Awash Sebat Kilo Town is situated within Afar regional state,350 kilometers away from its Capital City(Samara) and 225 kilometers from Addis Ababa, the Capital of Ethiopia. Geographically, the town is bounded by 61500 to 63500 meters East and 991500 to 1024500 meters North. The study used purposive sampling techniques to select the town. Three kebeles of Awash Sebat Kilo Town, namely, Allalimo, Bank Sefer and Mariam Sefer, were purposively selected, while 98 representative sample household heads from the three kebeles were randomly selected. Data gathering tools such as questionnaire, interview, focus group discussion and site observation of the park were used. To fulfill the importance of the findings, a descriptive survey design was employed . The findings of the study revealed that large biodiversity of fauna and flora, exceptional variety of landscapes and active volcanic activities are the major tourist attractions of Awash National Park. Wider range of employment opportunities and expansion of social services and public infrastructure are the major positive benefits of Awash National Park for residents of Awash Sebat Kilo Town. However, frequent conflicts for resource competition, Increasing Cost of Living(inflation) and modification of indigenous culture are the negative side effects of the park on the residents of the town. The Major Roles to be played by Stakeholders So as to mitigate the Negative Effects of Awash National park on the Residents of Awash Sebat Kilo Town and to enhance Positive benefits of the park. Creating awareness, park protection, law enforcement and job diversification are the major roles to be played by stakeholders to mitigate the Park's negative effects and to enhance its positive benefits to the Residents.
Keywords: Tourist, tourist attractions, local community, resource conflict, Awash National Park, Awash Sebat Kilo Town
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Keywords
Tourist, tourist attractions, local community, resource conflict, Awash National Park, Awash Sebat Kilo Town