Fundamental Potentials, Challenges and Opportunities for Ecotourism Development in Lake Hayq, Ethiopia

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the fundamental potential, challenges and opportunities of developing ecotourism in Lake Hayq (ሎጎ ሀይቅ) in Ethiopia. To this end, the researchers integrated both qualitative and quantitative research approaches with a descriptive design. Participants of the study were members of local communities and those who are involved in the tourism business, community leaders, and government officials. By applying both probability and non-probability sampling techniques, 131 respondents were selected through purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques. A questionnaire, interview, observation and desk research were used as instruments of data collection. Data were analyzed using content analysis for qualitative data while SPSS version 22 was used for quantitative and expressed in terms of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings showed that Lake Hayq and its surroundings have a fundamental potential and opportunities to be developed making it an ecotourism destination. From a product perspective, the spectacular scenery, the lake and its marine area, excellent birdlife viewing opportunities, diversified recreational opportunities, and local cultures are interesting potentials for ecotourism development. With supportive local institutions, ecotourism development policies and conducive weather conditions as main opportunities, much is possible. Developing ecotourism can engage a broad section of human population and it is the most promising strategy to reduce livelihood and environmental problems in the area. However, agricultural encroachment, unsustainable resource use patterns, lack of skilled manpower, lack of awareness, infrastructural challenges, poor cooperation among stakeholders, lack of promotion and marketing are amongst the major challenges in Lake Haya for ecotourism development. It has become essential to develop ecotourism to protect environmental quality of the area and to keep the benefits in the hands of local people through bringing due attention to all relevant stakeholders the need to focus on values in developing ecotourism in Lake Hayq and its surroundings.