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Australasian Journal of Social Science

Year: 2015 | Volume: 1 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 1-19
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Authors

Ferehiwot Mequanint

Shewit Gebremedhin

Keywords

Research Article

Contribution of Local Community for Ecotourism Development in and around Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park with Emphasis to Women’s Role, Ethiopia

Ferehiwot Mequanint and Shewit Gebremedhin
The study was conducted during the period of January-March 2013. The main objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of local community for ecotourism development. Three Kebeles (Daka Hora Kelo, Daka Delu Harengama and Gale fi Kelo) in and around ASLNP was selected purposively. Data was collected from 135 household respondents through semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, FGDs and field observation. Descriptive statistical analysis such as mean, frequency and percentage was used. Lakes, hot spring, eco-friendly lodge, bird watching, taking photograph and bathing hot spring water were identified as ecotourism potential sites and activities in and around the park. Majority of respondents (61%) were mentioned lakes as the most potential sites. The local community was contributing to ecotourism development through respecting their culture, protecting nature and by involving in much tourism related activities. The study revealed the higher contribution of female for ecotourism development than male, due to wearing indigenous traditional dress, showing indigenous dances and songs, preparing local handicrafts. The higher respection of culture by female was confirmed by majority of the respondents (76%). Regarding to nature, 48% of sample respondents reported the higher respection of female to nature than male, whereas, 46% of respondents said male. Moreover, 84 and 79% of the respondents said that married people give more value for both nature and culture, respectively. Of the total respondents, 50% said illiterate have more respect to nature but the remaining said the literate ones. However, regarding to culture 70% of the respondents said that illiterate give more value than literate. Therefore, as ASLNP is an ideal place for ecotourism development and the local community participation in ecotourism development is good, the government and non-government organizations should give due emphasis for better ecotourism development in the area.
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