Challenges and opportunities for ecotourism development: A case study in dilla university botanical and ecotourism garden, South Ethiopia

Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden was established in 2017 for the purpose of biodiversity conservation and ecotourism in Dilla area. This study was conducted to determine the opportunities and challenges for ecotourism development in the garden. Respondents from Odaya kebele, and key informants from government offi ces, Saron lodge, Dilla University, local elders and youth unions were selected for this study. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focused group discussions and fi eld visits. The study of community attitude towards ecotourism and the garden indicated as the majority of respondents were familiar with ecotourism and support its implementation in the garden. In addition, the present study revealed fl ora and fauna, attractive landscape, cultural resources and rivers as the main ecotourism attractions in the garden while diversity of ecotourism attractions, the unique natural and agro-forestry ecosystems of the Gedeo Zone, presence of different cultural attractions and existence of Saron Lodge in proximity to the garden as the top four opportunities to promote ecotourism in the area. As to the result of this study, the low level community benefi t, inadequate community participation, absence of ecotourism plan and unsustainable use of resources were the major challenges of ecotourism development in the garden. The study also identifi ed absence of suffi cient accommodation and lack of local guides as fi rst and second facility problems in the garden. To address the different problems and implement an integrated ecotourism development approach, involving communities and enhancing their role has been recommended as the key component of ecotourism development in the area. Research Article Challenges and opportunities for ecotourism development: A case study in dilla university botanical and ecotourism garden, South Ethiopia Israel Petros Menbere* and Firew Admassu Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia Received: 30 November, 2020 Accepted: 16 December, 2020 Published: 17 December, 2020 *Corresponding author: Israel Petros Menbere, Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia, E-mail: ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0853-0976


Introduction
Tourism is among the largest and rapidly growing industries in the world that contribute for community development through income generation and employment opportunities [1]. As to the World Wide Fund for nature (WWF), tourism accounts for over 10% of total employment and 11% of GDP globally. As a result, it has an increasing impact on people and nature [2]. However, the recent ethical issues regarding travel and tourism brought a platform for fl ourishing of ecotourism destinations. The increasing interest of visitors to support tourist destinations they discovered and the people and cultures they encounter on their travels led for prevalence of ecotourism areas [3].
Ecotourism is a form of tourism in which natural areas are the prime attractions. It is a responsible travel concerned with conservation of the environment and benefi t of the local people [2]. This made ecotourism to be a preferable tourism segment in visitor education, securing funds for conservation, directly benefi ting local communities, promoting the empowerment of local people and promoting the protection of local cultures [4]. The popularity of ecotourism has been growing with its role in livelihood improvement, poverty alleviation and fostering environmental conservation in rural communities. It is more important to communities that fringe national parks and protected areas [5] .
Ethiopia is one of the countries with vast array of resources including cultural, historical, archaeological and natural resources that are ideal for sustainable ecotourism venture [4,6]. Naturally, Ethiopia is home to diverse wildlife and consist a wide variety of ecosystems and habitats ranging from alpine moor lands to lowland savannahs. Of the total wildlife resources, over 320 mammals (39 endemic), 918 birds (19 endemic), 240 reptiles (16 endemic), 71 amphibians (30 endemic) and 172 fi shes (38 endemic), species are recorded in different ecosystems in Ethiopia [7]. The country is also known for its archaeological relevance (i.e origin of Lucy), historical sites in northern Ethiopia and diverse cultural resources in South Ethiopia. However, ecotourism has not been adequately developed and the ecotourism potentials are not extensively utilized for better economic benefi ts and local communities' development [8]. attraction is yet to be implemented [9]. Similarly, no study was conducted on potential attractions, opportunities and challenges of ecotourism in the area [9]. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the opportunities and challenges of ecotourism development in Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden, in South Ethiopia.

Description of study area
The study was conducted in Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden (Figure 1). It is 360 kms away from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The area is located in southern part of Ethiopia 1 km north-east of Dilla Town. The 2007 National census report indicated that the total population of

Sample
Prior to the actual ecotourism data collection, stakeholders such as agricultural and natural resource professionals, expertise and community elders were contacted to identify suitable respondents in the area. Then, 72 respondents were purposely selected from Odaya kebele based on their knowledge, livelihood and proximity to DUBEG. In addition, 20 key informants (15 males and 5 females) were selected from workers in Saron Lodge (4), staffs in Dilla University (6), biodiversity and natural resource experts in Gedo Zone (2), local elders in Odaya Kebele (4), an expert from culture and tourism offi ce (1) and individuals form youth unions (3) in Odaya kebele. Key informants included in the focus group discussion were considered knowledgeable in their view of natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.

Method of data collection
This research was conducted from October 2018 to June 2019. The primary data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, fi eld visits and focus group discussions.
Questionnaires were administered to identify the different ecotourism potentials, distinguish opportunities and to identify challenges of ecotourism development in the area.
Similarly, interviews and focus group discussions were made to determine the opportunities and challenges associated with botanical and ecotourism garden in the area. Field visits and photograph records were included to verify the result obtained from questionnaire and interview practically on the ground.

Data analysis
The quantitative data obtained from questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Specifi cally, the ecotourism potentials in the area were analyzed following the approach of [12], in which the respondent's questionnaire were organized to ecotourism potentials and were measured by scales; where fi ve was the highest and one was the lowest scale. Community attitude towards ecotourism and DUBEG, the opportunities and challenges of ecotourism in the area were analyzed and described using percentages. While the qualitative data obtained through interview and focus group discussions were analyzed in the form of descriptions. SWOT analysis technique was employed to identify (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats) of ecotourism development in DUBEG. This project was initiated by Dilla University and different administrative bodies to promote ecotourism activities in the garden. The establishment of the garden as an ecotourism initiative helps to promote sustainable ecological preservation and contribute to biodiversity conservation in the region. The existence of the garden in proximity adds a natural beauty to the University and helps to strengthen relationship between the university and regional and zonal administrative bodies in the area [11]. As one of the main ecotourism attraction sites in Dilla area and its surroundings, the implementation of ecotourism in DUBEG contributes for further ecotourism development and biodiversity conservation activities in the area. Due to the existence of fauna, fl ora, rivers and stunning landscape, the site is better described as nature based tourism attraction. Besides this, the Garden comprises two main parts, the nursery site and the main garden. The internal part of the main garden has different components including scientifi c garden, recreational site, nursery site and science café which are used to enjoy the beauty of nature in the garden, undertake ecotourism activities such as fi shing, produce indigenous and ornamental tree species and undertake scientifi c conferences and panels. The garden offers recreational opportunities for visitors, and culturally it has been used for ceremonies, wedding and different concerts. To consolidate these services and promote the ecotourism activities, cultural houses, guest houses, cafes, and routes that enable to undertake forest walk were established. These services are provided for visitors who are interested in site seeing, photographing and enjoying cultural resources [9].

The role of dilla university in the implementation of ecotourism in DUBEG
The initiation taken by Dilla University to undertake ecotourism in the garden is greatly appreciated.

Views of the local community towards ecotourism and its implementation in Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden
From the result obtained in the study area, the attitude of communities towards ecotourism and the garden indicated as the majority have knowhow of ecotourism, and the importance of ecotourism in resource conservation and local economic benefi t. In relation to this, this study has revealed community support of ecotourism program implementation in the garden.
Conversely, it has been stated as there are low-level community participation in the garden management and insuffi cient garden protection activities undertaken in the area (Table 1).
According to this study, majority of respondents were familiar with ecotourism and they support ecotourism implementation in the garden. This is similar with the study undertaken by [13], in Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, in Sierra Leone, in which most of the respondents supported conservation of the site and development of ecotourism in the Sanctuary.
Similarly, the respondents indicated the role of ecotourism in community benefi t and resource conservation. This might be due to the moderate awareness creation activity undertaken by Dilla University. Trainings and awareness creation programs enhance the attitude of community towards ecotourism and its different values [14]. In the area, the demand to visit natural sites including the DUBEG is increasing. This is associated with increasing urbanization, lifestyle style change and increasing awareness towards nature based experience from community side and emphasis given to ecotourism development by management bodies including Dilla University [9]. In addition, majority of the respondents disagreed with the infl uence of ecotourism on community and their resource use, community involvement in the management of the garden and adequate protection of the garden and its resources. The community complains with regard to deprive of resource access has not been strongly seen in the current study most likely due to the ecotourism project is at its beginning stage. When ecotourism projects develop and prevent improper land uses such as agriculture in the areas, the local communities perceive the loss of access to these lands as a limitation of their source of livelihood [15]. Residents who depend on natural resources are likely to hold negative attitude toward ecotourism development unless they are adequately benefi ted from ecotourism [16]. To promote the protection of the garden and enhance the role of community in the ecotourism initiative, it is crucial to ensure community participation in the management of the garden and create local livelihood opportunities associated with ecotourism in the area [17].

Ecotourism potentials of the site
The study conducted in DUBEG indicated the presence of diverse ecotourism potentials in the area (Table 2) [18]. Wildlife based tourism enhances the income of the country through involvement in wildlife dependent recreation [7]. The next ecotourism attraction identifi ed in the area was existence scenic landscape which is vital for view of landscape features as an ecotourism activity in the garden. Landscapes and associated biodiversity are among major attraction

Opportunities for developing ecotourism in Dilla University botanical and ecotourism garden
The opportunities for developing ecotourism in DUBEG garden are given in (Table 3). As to the study, diversity of attractions was found to be the main opportunity for   Mayan communities [27]. Since the success of ecotourism and its role in biodiversity conservation requires active participation of stakeholders, the involvement and empowerment of local population is extremely crucial [28].  (Table 4).
According to this study, lack of adequate benefi t was mentioned as a challenge for ecotourism development in the area. As one pillar and goal of ecotourism is creating alternative income and livelihood opportunities for communities, enhancing economic benefi t for local people is an essential element. To be sustainable, ecotourism is required to create job opportunities for local communities in a wide range of areas such as guides, drivers, permanent jobs, casual jobs, etc [31]. For long term success of conservation efforts and ecotourism development, mutually supportive relationships between communities and nearby conservation areas are critical to address socioeconomic problems and ensure community development [32]. In relation local communities [5]. Community participation is the heart of ecotourism and its success depends on the participation and cooperation local communities. Ecotourism initiatives that don't adequately involve communities due to top-down approach, awareness, mobilization and that do not match with local desire and capacity will be unsuccessful and destructed [2,31].
Ecotourism is a promising method to promote conservation and local development if it is implemented with appropriate plans and adequate strategies [32]. However, the study made in the area indicated absence of suffi cient plan and strategy to promote and develop ecotourism in the garden. are crucial for successful ecotourism development in the future [33]. When developing ecotourism in natural area, careful planning and improved knowledge about the resources are crucial to facilitate its implementation in a better manner [12].
Unsustainable and improper resource use is another growing challenge for ecotourism development in the area. During our fi eld visit in the garden, we could observe unsustainable resource uses such as farm land expansion; deforestation and intensive stone mining that disrupt biodiversity and natural resources of the area. This is in line with the study of [4], in Alemsaga forest, in Ethiopian in which most of natural resources are highly affected by human induced challenges.
Proper use of natural resources in and around conservation areas supports ecotourism and helps to obtain fi nancial sources for better conservation and community development activities [31]. Similarly, inadequate promotion and marketing and absence of adequate infrastructure and tourist facility were mentioned as challenges of ecotourism in the area. The study by [33], of stakeholders is vital to get assistance from donor agancies that enable to suceed ecotourism development and natural resource conservation [4,31]. Although mentioned as the least by respondents, other challenges such as fi nancial shortages can affect ecotourism in the area. Accessing reasonable fi nance is the challenge for the developing countries and this again affects the implementation ecotourism project in different aspects [2]. Moreover, according to Berhanu [29], inadequate fi nance hinders the management and conservation of resources and challenges the effort to fulfi ll equipments crucial for ecotourism such as accommodation, food, water, the latest GPS, video-cameras, etc. The authors identifi ed the strong and weak sides from the internal environment (interior factors) and the opportunities and threats from the outside environment (exterior factors) for ecotourism development in Dilla University botanical and ecotourism garden (Table 5). This was undertaken based on interview with key informants, fi eld visits made in the garden and discussion with experts in natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.

Acknowledgments
We would like to forward our gratitude to Dilla University for