A tale of duality: Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
This study aims to analyze how park households perceive the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Simien Mountain National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia. We combined qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection. A sequentially embedded mixed design that gives pr...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Regional Sustainability |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666660X23000634 |
| _version_ | 1797372861364568064 |
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| author | Tewodros Abuhay Endalkachew Teshome Gashaw Mulu |
| author_facet | Tewodros Abuhay Endalkachew Teshome Gashaw Mulu |
| author_sort | Tewodros Abuhay |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study aims to analyze how park households perceive the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Simien Mountain National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia. We combined qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection. A sequentially embedded mixed design that gives priority to quantitative data was used. We also employed a multistage sampling technique to select respondents from three districts or woreda, namely Debark, Janamora, and Beyeda woredas. Finally, 397 participants were involved in the study from a random selection of three villages from each district or woreda. Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire, interviews, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including means, standard deviations, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression models. The findings from a logistic regression analysis revealed that ecotourism participation had a significant relationship with gender (B = 1.850, P = 0.023), level of education (B = 0.238, P = 0.032), geographical location (B = 0.420, P = 0.041), and occupation (B = 0.920, P = 0.019). This investigation suggested that males and individuals with a higher educational background are more likely to possess optimistic perspectives concerning the impacts of ecotourism. Furthermore, individuals residing in districts relatively near ecotourism destinations, those engaged in tourism-related work, and younger participants were recognized as having optimistic viewpoints regarding the impacts of ecotourism. In conclusion, the study highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to maximize ecotourism's benefits and minimize negative effects in SMNP. To achieve this, it is recommended that the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Agency, the Ministry of Tourism, and local government should work together to develop sustainable tourism plans that enhance local livelihoods and park conditions. Efforts should focus on increasing the participation of women and individuals with lower education levels through training and resource provision. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T18:41:51Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-6648b8d80e484705bfaffe30af45f1af |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2666-660X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T18:41:51Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | KeAi Communications Co. Ltd. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Regional Sustainability |
| spelling | doaj.art-6648b8d80e484705bfaffe30af45f1af2023-12-29T04:46:17ZengKeAi Communications Co. Ltd.Regional Sustainability2666-660X2023-12-0144453464A tale of duality: Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park, EthiopiaTewodros Abuhay0Endalkachew Teshome1Gashaw Mulu2Department of Political Science and Governance Studies, University of Gondar, Gondar, 196, Ethiopia; Department of Development and Environmental Management Studies, University of Gondar, Gondar, 196, Ethiopia; Corresponding author. Department of Political Science and Governance Studies, University of Gondar, Gondar, 196, Ethiopia. Tel.: +251912918985; fax: 251-058-114 1240.Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, University of Gondar, Gondar, 196, EthiopiaDepartment of Development and Environmental Management Studies, University of Gondar, Gondar, 196, EthiopiaThis study aims to analyze how park households perceive the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Simien Mountain National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia. We combined qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection. A sequentially embedded mixed design that gives priority to quantitative data was used. We also employed a multistage sampling technique to select respondents from three districts or woreda, namely Debark, Janamora, and Beyeda woredas. Finally, 397 participants were involved in the study from a random selection of three villages from each district or woreda. Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire, interviews, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including means, standard deviations, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression models. The findings from a logistic regression analysis revealed that ecotourism participation had a significant relationship with gender (B = 1.850, P = 0.023), level of education (B = 0.238, P = 0.032), geographical location (B = 0.420, P = 0.041), and occupation (B = 0.920, P = 0.019). This investigation suggested that males and individuals with a higher educational background are more likely to possess optimistic perspectives concerning the impacts of ecotourism. Furthermore, individuals residing in districts relatively near ecotourism destinations, those engaged in tourism-related work, and younger participants were recognized as having optimistic viewpoints regarding the impacts of ecotourism. In conclusion, the study highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to maximize ecotourism's benefits and minimize negative effects in SMNP. To achieve this, it is recommended that the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Agency, the Ministry of Tourism, and local government should work together to develop sustainable tourism plans that enhance local livelihoods and park conditions. Efforts should focus on increasing the participation of women and individuals with lower education levels through training and resource provision.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666660X23000634EcotourismPerception of ecotourism impactsEcotourism participationProtected area residentWorld heritage siteSemien Mountains National Park (SMNP) |
| spellingShingle | Tewodros Abuhay Endalkachew Teshome Gashaw Mulu A tale of duality: Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia Regional Sustainability Ecotourism Perception of ecotourism impacts Ecotourism participation Protected area resident World heritage site Semien Mountains National Park (SMNP) |
| title | A tale of duality: Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia |
| title_full | A tale of duality: Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia |
| title_fullStr | A tale of duality: Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia |
| title_full_unstemmed | A tale of duality: Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia |
| title_short | A tale of duality: Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia |
| title_sort | tale of duality community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on simien mountains national park ethiopia |
| topic | Ecotourism Perception of ecotourism impacts Ecotourism participation Protected area resident World heritage site Semien Mountains National Park (SMNP) |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666660X23000634 |
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