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ASSESSMENT OF ECOTOURISM POTENTIALS AND CHALLENGES IN HOMA DISTRICT, WEST WOLLAGA ETHIOPIA

Domain:

environment and energysocioeconomic

Record type:

paper
Creator:
EDO
Publisher:
Zenodo
Host:avatar
Ecotourism has become an essential approach for safeguarding the environment, diversifying economies, and promoting community development in many developing countries, including Ethiopia. Although Homa District boasts stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, lush forests, flowing rivers, diverse wildlife, and unique indigenous traditions, it remains largely untapped and underdeveloped for tourism. This study assessed the ecotourism potential and challenges in Homa District, with the goal of pinpointing the vital natural, cultural, and socio-economic assets that could support sustainable tourism growth. A mixed-method research approach was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations, while secondary data were obtained from both published and unpublished documents, reports, and relevant literature. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select participants from local communities, tourism experts, district officials, and other stakeholders. The data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that Homa District holds substantial ecotourism potential, featuring natural forests, mountainous landscapes, caves, rivers, rich biodiversity, traditional dances, cultural festivals, indigenous knowledge, and friendly local communities. These assets could draw both domestic and international tourists if they are properly developed and managed. Furthermore, the study pointed out several challenges that hinder the growth of ecotourism in the district. The research also identified various barriers that obstruct the progress of ecotourism in the area. These barriers include inadequate infrastructure, lack of promotion and marketing efforts, a deficit of trained personnel, low community awareness, minimal government attention, environmental degradation, limited investment opportunities, and insufficient tourism facilities. The research concludes that Homa District has considerable ecotourism potential that could contribute to local economic development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. However, the existing challenges must be addressed through collaborative efforts involving government agencies, local communities, private investors, and non-governmental organizations. Keywords: Challenges cultural resources, ecotourism potential, Homa district

Languages

Homa

Licenses

Simple Public License 2.0https://opensource.org/licenses/SimPL-2.0Open Accessinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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