Fisseha, Mulugeta (PhD)Bires, Zemenu2018-09-282023-11-182018-09-282023-11-182014http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/12293This 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.enLake Zengenaecotourismcommunity based ecotourism developmentchallengesprospectspotentialsThesis