Challenges and Prospects of Community Based Ecotourism Development in Lake Zengena and its environs
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Date
2014
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This thesis focused on the challenges and prospects of CBET development in Lake Zengena
and its environs, Banja Woreda, Awi Nationality Administration. The thesis has used both
quantitative and qualitative approach employing both purposive and simple random
sampling. The study took a total of 11 0 samples to conduct and survey data based on primary
and secondary data sources through different instruments including questionnaires, key
informant interviews, focus group discussion, field observation and literature review. As a
result, this study revealed that Lake Zengena and its environs is not only endowed with
natural tourism resources but also endowed with the cultural tourism resources. Besides, the
area has a good scenic view with good accessibility and walkways around the lake. Among
the major natural resources (Lake Zenegna, Darkan Mountain, Gubil Mountain and bamboo
plants with their birds, animals and fauna species), cultural tourism resources (churches and
monasteries (Felege Hiwot Kidus Gabriel and Debre Mihret Kidus Michael), handicrafts,
their weaving methodology, the community's culture in celebrating festive periods (Timket
and monthly festive of St. Gabriel monastery etc) are some of them. On the contrary to the
abundance and diverse resources, the area had limited practices of CBET and had no
significant infrastructure facilities that could cater to the needs and wants of the customers.
This study found that the area had faced different challenges that can hinder CBET
development in the area. The major hindrances identified include less government attention
and other SHs participation, poor infrastructure, lack of financial support, lack of skilled man
power, Use of lake as a source of "Holly Water" by the church. On the other hand, diverse
tourism resources, good accessibility to the main asphalted road, location of the path way to
the historic route and to the Ethiopian Great Renaissance Dam and nearness to different
destinations were the major opportunities identified. Besides, this study put on view that the
local communities could participate in preparation and provision of handicrafts, horse
renting, guiding, sale of handicrafts and provision of food and beverages as well as raw
materials as a CBET practice. All in all, Lake Zengena and its environs possessed an immense
potential for CBET which can enhance locals' livelihood and that can conserve the
environment. To put this in effect, a good tourism development plan along with tourism policy
has to be developed to utilize the area's potential and to make the local communities
beneficiary from the development through tackling the major challenges.
Key words: Lake Zengena, ecotourism, community based ecotourism development, challenges,
prospects, potentials.
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Keywords
Lake Zengena, ecotourism, community based ecotourism development, challenges, prospects, potentials