ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALS AND DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES OF ECOTOURISM IN CHAHA WOREDA, GURAGHE ZONE ETH

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess potentials and developmental challenges of ecotourism in Chaha Woreda, in southern Ethiopia, Gurage zone. The purpose of this study was to assess ecotourism potentials and identify challenges to ecotourism development in Cheha woreda. The data was collect by using both primary and secondary data collection. The primary data was gathering by the way of questionnaire, key informant’s interview, direct field observation, participant observation and focus group discussion. Secondary data was gathered from printed material, published and unpublished documents, and books. Purposively five kebeles was selected and 99 respondents were takes as representatives which encompasses elder of village, female association, local youth, and local leaders from each five kebeles. Data were presents on tables, charts, picture and percentage also further represented by using grapes and other diagram in order to analyses more information about our research study. The study was identify a lot of potentials both of natural and cultural resources such as abundance and diversity of plant and animal species, forest, scenic landscape, water fall, caves, rivers, hot springs, standing stone, Mosques and churches. There are many challenges in ecotourism potentials of Cheha woreda such as lack of infrastructure, deforestation, lack of promotion, absences of professional man power, shortage of budget and lack of awareness. The researcher had also provided valuable recommendations based on the finding