Assessment of Ecotourism Potential of Kafa Zone, South Western Ethiopia: Implication For Biodiversity Conservation
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Date
2014-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Ecotourism is one of fast growing sector all over the world. It is often viewed as promoting
conservation. Ethiopia also has great ecotourism potential. This study was conducted to assess
the ecotourislll potential, factors affecting ecotourism development, potential benefits of
ecotourism development for biodiversity conservation of Kafa zone. In this study both primary
data and secondary data were used. Primary data was obtained through structured
questionnaire, key iriformant interview, focus group discussion and observation. Secondary data
was obtained from published and unpublished materials, books, journals and project reports. This
research used both qualitative descriptive survey as dominant method and some data were
analyzed quantitatively as supplementary qualitative and quantitative data. The study was carried
out on three selected sites in Gedam, Mankira and Bonga 01 Kebele. A total of 124 sample
respondents were identified using systematic sampling technique. Key informants interview was
taken. Besides to this FGD was held with community members. In the study area there are so
many factors that affect ecotourism development negatively and positively. The study disclosed
that the community perceived eeotow'ism as an instrument for biodiversity conservation and they
were willing to play an important role in the development of ecotourism by engaging themselves
in different activities. The analysis was carried out by using qualitative description and
descriptive statistics with the help of SPss. Pictures, Percentage, tables, graphs and chart were
used to present the results of the study. Furthermore, Iriformation obtained from key iriformant
and officials have been summarized and used in the triangulation of evidences. Information
obtained through personal observations was also included in the analysis. The study concludes
that there is a high potential for ecotourism development in the study area and ecotourism
development support the preservation of biodiversity that exist in the area. Whereas, there are
factors that hinder the development of ecotourism such as lack of stakeholders' collaboration and
setoral integration, problems related to promotion, training and iriformation center in the study
area. Therefore, in order to alleviate the challenges the researcher suggested that the existing
resouces should be protected, designing continuous training for local community , attraction sites
of the area should be announced through mass media, design strategic policies and holistic
planning with incorporation of an integrated and collaborative approach were recommended.
Key words: Ecotourism, Biodiversity and Conservation
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Keywords
Ecotourism, Biodiversity and Conservation