ECOTOURISM AND LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: A STUDY OF THE WECIDAU COMMUNITY HIPPOPOTAMUS SANCTUARY IN THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

This study explored how community-based ecotourism can be successfully developed for the benefit of rural poor using the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary (WCHS) as a case study . This study examined the processes involved in the establishment of the WCHS; the extent of collaboration between stakeholders in its formation and management. Factors militating against the fullest harnessing of tourism potentials of WCHS 'Yere also determined. The study employed qualitative data collection methods such as focus group discussions, self-administered questionnaire and both structured and unstructured interviews. Data were analysed by the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitatively as well. The study noted that the processes towards the establishment of the sanctuary were transparent but less participatory since Sanctuary communities could not make many inputs. There was also a positive collaboration among the stakeholders. The main factors militating against the fullest operation of the sanctuary were identified as the intrusion of citizens of Burkina Faso into the sanctuary catchment area; restricted access to local deities , pasture and medicinal plants in the protected area and perception among the people that the benefits of the sanctuary are enjoyed by only the traditional leaders of the various communities. The study noted that WCHS attracted the provision of basic social amenities such as boreholes, schools, and roads to the sanctuary communities. The study recommends among others a four-stage participatory sanctuary management framework which could lead to a more participatory and integrated management of the WCHS for the increased benefit of all.