Opportunities and Challenges of Community Based Ecotourism Development the Case of Menz Guassa Conservation Area

Abstract

This study was designed to assess opportunity and challenges of community based ecotourism development in Menz Guassa conservation areas. The researcher used questionnaires furthermore the researcher Used 90 sample to collect data from local communities, culture and tourism office and tour guide. The researcher also used both accidental and random sampling techniques. The researcher was used descriptive research method of analysis Most of respondents (83.3%) were using resource from the conservation area of Guassa; whereas the remaining (16.6%) were not benefited from conservation. The respondents were mentioned the purpose they have used such as gathering woods of fire, grazing of land and cutting of Guassa grass from the Guassa conservation area. Respondents were mentioned conservation challenge of an area such as lack of infrastructural facility, lack of awareness and agricultural expansion. Governmental and non- governmental parties should concern on the updating of the local community knowledge and level of understanding about the conservation area and ecotourism development.