Assessment of Ecotourism Potentials for Sustainable Natural Resources Management in and Around Abijata-Shala Lakes National Park in the Central Ethiopian Rift Valley

Abstract

In the face of degradations of natural resources and lack of alternative options, there are potentials of ecotourism in and around Abijata Shala Lake National Park (ASLNP) which egraded by anthropogenic activities .The major objective of this study was assessing these potentials of ecotourism or alternative options for sustainable use of natural resources which will improve the livelihood of local communities and conservation of ASLNP. Survey questionnaires and literature reviews were employed to collect primary and secondary data and to assess the socio-economic situation of the households, ecotourism resources, and the related problems of natural resource managements to come up with solutions. Five peasant associations were selected using purposive sampling from 18 peasant associations in and around ASLNP. Thereafter, 168 households were selected from 1334 targeted populations (households) of five peasant associations by systematic sampling (i.e., from a list in a certain order in which every eighth household was chosen). Survey questionnaires were employed to collect information from households of local people, four hotels or lodges, tourists, ASLNP and other related stakeholders like Oromia Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development and Cultural and Tourism offices at different administration levels. The respondents of different stakeholders except households of local people and tourists have been selected by purposive sampling in order to get related information to the research. About 58 respondents of tourists were selected by random sampling from 290-targeted tourists of those visiting ASLNP in September 2007. The analyses of the study revealed that natural and cultural resources such as abundance and diversity of bird, scenic landscape, ostrich farm, hot springs, cultural and historical attractions and some hotels or lodges at nearby areas are the main ecotourism potential in ASLNP. Deforestation, expansion of farming, overgrazing and over extraction of water coupled with conflicts between park and local communities are detected as the major problem contributors to the degradations of natural resources of the area. The study also revealed some income generating alternatives or ecotourism potentials which could help to reduce the present degradations of natural resources of the park. About 37.2% of sampled households expressed their interests for diversified livelihood or ecotourism activities. Offering tourist facilities and services and creating job opportunities for members of local communities are the positive impacts of the tourism activities whereas cutting trees, occurrences of seasonality and leakages are the negative impacts. The negative impacts might be able to aggravate poverty and consequent deterioration of tourism resources/natural resources. Finally, reinforcing existing off-agricultural livelihoods, introducing additional alternative options or ecotourism are important strategic directions for sustainable management of natural resources for ASLNP and related protected areas.