Community Based Ecotourism Development at Kahitestsa Forest and Environs Awi Zone, Ethiopia: Opportunities and Challenges

The research focuses on investigation of opportunities and challenges of community based ecotourism (CBET) development in kehitastse forest and environs. Qualitative research design was employed and 40 key informants were selected purposively from 6 different target groups. Observation was also used to deeply investigate important information with details of structured observation check list. Information was also collected and recorded through Photographs. Secondary data source such as, journal articles, reports, proclamations and policy documents relevant to the topic under study were also reviewed and used for analysis. The process of data analysis and drawing of conclusion was employed qualitative analysis method. It was contextualized and themed in to similar characteristics and triangulated to reach in to conclusion. The finding shows that the area is rich in natural and cultural tourism resources for CBET. Moreover, accessibility and proper demarcation of the forest, engagement of micro finance (credit and saving) institution towards CBET, engagement of cooperative institutions to involve in CBET activities, availability of tourism policy and ecotourism guidelines in the area are some of opportunities for community based ecotourism development. However, conflict between human and nature, lack of capacity, engagement and cooperation among stakeholders to involve in CBET business, lack of infrastructures and promotion of the forest are some of challenges for CBET development. It is recommended that environmentally sound, culturally friendly and economically feasible community-based ecotourism should be developed in the destination to bring local sustainable development. Keywords: Opportunities, Challenges, Community Based Ecotourism Establishment, Sustainable Development, DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/43-04 Publication date:September 30th 201