ECOTOURISM POTENTIAL AND CHALLENGES IN SASIGA DISTRICT, EAST WOLLEGA ZONE, WESTERN ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT Ecotourism is a newly developed concept characterized as an environmentally sustainable, economically feasible, and socially responsible form of tourism. It is founded on fundamental principles aimed at conserving the environment, preserving local culture, and ensuring that local communities are the primary beneficiaries and actively involved. Ethiopia possesses significant natural and cultural resources that present a strong potential for the ecotourism industry. However, the nation has yet to reap the benefits of ecotourism development due to a lack of data regarding the availability of these resources and other related challenges. This thesis investigates the essential elements of ecotourism potential and the obstacles faced in the Sasiga district, offering a thorough analysis of the established key objectives. The research adopts a systematic methodology to examine the hypotheses, employing both qualitative and quantitative techniques to collect and analyze data. The quantitative data were assessed using frequency and percentage where applicable, while data gathered from Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Key Informant Interviews (KII), and field observations were interpreted qualitatively. The findings indicate considerable potential within the district concerning the availability of natural and cultural resources. The diverse wildlife tourism and recreational fishing opportunities along the Hangar River, along with waterfalls such as Gumbi Waterfall, Angar Waterfall, Bareda Waterfall, Konte Waterfall, Hursa H/Kibbitu Waterfall, and Laga Tobo Waterfall, as well as the mountainous attractions of Wata Mountain and caves like Gada Gilinde Cave, Holqa Dalatti Cave, and Dhaga Sinbira Cave, in addition to forest resources such as Chaak-Arba Forest and Badhasa Jarso Forest, highlight the area's diverse and unique potential as an ecotourism destination. Moreover, the traditional court system, along with the Ardajila ritual of Gara Abalo and the Irrecha tullu ritual at Wata Mountain, showcases vibrant cultural and traditional assets that can significantly enhance tourism development. The research also highlights key challenges facing future ecotourism growth in the district, particularly concerning infrastructure, safety and security, and environmental degradation. In summary, this study reveals a wealth of natural and cultural diversity that presents a promising opportunity to establish an ecotourism industry in the Sasiga district. Keyword: Challenges, Ecotourism potential, Sasiga district, Hangar River, Wata Mountain