Exploration of participation in ecotourism a case study of Wli Traditional Area

Abstract

Local community participation has been identified as a key factor in tourism development globally. This study sought to explore the participation of local people of Wli Traditional area in ecotourism. It further assessed the extent to which local people benefit from ecotourism activities in the area, while the efforts made by the local Tourist Management Team and other relevant authorities to empower local residents for maximum participation were also assessed. The study was a Case Study. Hence, instruments used to collect data were Interviews and Observation. Data collected were analysed based on the Qualitative approach under classified themes to reflect the objectives and purpose of the study. The theoretical framework upon which this current study is built is the Social Exchange theory. The study established that, only a handful of local residents were actually involved in ecotourism activities in the Wli Traditional area. They engage rather in other economic activities like farming. Only few people benefited from the revenue generated. Ignorance of economic opportunities, low level of formal education, inadequate financial support and dominance by the Local Tourist Management Team over ecotourism activities were some factors that hampered effective local participation. Skill training and facilitation programmes should be consistently organized to equip local residents. Further, a free flow of worthwhile information should exist between local people and people who represent them on the Tourist Management Team.