Opportunities and challenges for community-based ecotourism development: A case study in Dinsho and Goba Woredas, Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the opportunities and challenges for community-based ecotourism development in Dinsho and Goba Woredas, in Ethiopia. Local communities who were participant in ecotourism, and key informants from Bale Mountains National Park, Madawalabu University, government offices and non-governmental bodies were the target groups of this study. The primary data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and field visits. Document reviews were also made to support the study. The result of the study indicated that endemic animals and plants were the main attractions of ecotourism in both Dinsho and Goba Woredas. Bodity Mountain and local culture were the second main ecotourism attractions in Dinsho and Goba Weredas, respectively. The study revealed diversification of potential ecotourism resources, existence of local institutions such as the Gada system and presence of various conservation organizations as the top three opportunities for developing community-based ecotourism in the Woredas. It has also been indicated that the communities in both areas can participate in a range of ecotourism activities such as supplying agricultural products (poultry, milk, honey and coffee), provision of accommodation facilities, handcraft selling and cultural show. As per the result of the study, inadequate infrastructure was the main challenge for community-based ecotourism development in Dinsho while awareness problem was the main challenge in Goba. The study also identified absence of sufficient accommodation with food and water services as the main ecotourism facility problem in both Woredas.

Keywords: Challenges, community-based, Dinsho, ecotourism, Goba, opportunities.