Feseha, Mulugeta (PhD)Ambelu, Gebeyaw2018-08-142023-11-182018-08-142023-11-182011-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/11666So far, various studies attempted to study potentials for CBET development; and value of ecotourisll1 for wildlife conservation and economic development has been done in Ethiopia, and little is done on exploring practices, challenges and opportunities of CBET development. Thus, this thesis was envisaged with objective of critically identifYing the key practices, challenges and opportunities ofCBET development in Meket woreda, North Wollo and recommends on how best it can be enhanced and replicated in other areas. In order to achieve the objective of the slUdy, both primary and secondmy data were generated by employing qualitative (us ing case study, focus group discussion, in depth interview and on spot observation) and quantitative (mainly using household survey and visitor survey questionnaires) methodl·. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 3 CBET sites and 90 sample households respectively. The quantitative data was analyzed using frequency, percentage and mean when appropriate while qualitative data was used to triangulate and substantiate the study. The research revealed that CBET has brought a variety of favorable economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts. On the other hand, the study also identified several potentially adverse effects, which suggest the need for improvement and strong effort. The research spots several meaningful CBET practices which can become a model for similar initiatives elsewhere with different blue prints. The study discloses that several challenges have been experienced at project implementation and running of CBET business in the study area. Low level of knowledge, interest and perception of local comlllunity towards CBET; the resource ownership questions like land; capacity problems of the MCs and local level government office staff; lack of legal registration of CTEs; conflicting policies and legislations; communities ' expectation for immediate financial benefits; quality and standard of products and services; lack of cooperation among stakeholders; emerging challenges on marketing and booking; etc, were identified as challenges of CBET in the study area. However, several opportunities like strategic location of the sites, change of local attitude toward CBET, hospitality of local community, the potential tourism resources of the area, succes.lful efforts on marketing and promotion, etc are identified as success factors for CBET Results and recommendations of the study explore ways to improve and enhance the capacity of CBET to generate benefits at the study sites. Further. specific activities to be assumed to solve the existing challenges and maximize the strategic advantages are illustratedenCommunity Based EcotourismDevelopmentThesis