Ecotourism Potential and its Role for Sustainable Development and Livelihood in Awash National Park, Ethiopia

The potentials of ecotourism for sustainable use of natural resources, poverty alleviation and food security was assessed in Awash National Park (ANP), Ethiopia using survey questionnaires and field observation between January to September 2013. The analyses of the study revealed that natural and cultural resources such as abundance and diversity of large wild mammals, bird, scenic landscape, hot springs, cultural and historical attractions and hotels or lodges at nearby areas are the main ecotourism potential in ANP. 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 77.5 % 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 ecotourism 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 ecotourism resources/natural resources. Reinforcing existing off-agricultural livelihoods, introducing additional alternative options or ecotourism are important strategic directions for sustainable management of natural resources for ANP and related protected areas.