Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the extent of community participation in the Community-Based Ecotourism Projects in the Brong-Ahafo Region. The sample of the study was 281 respondents and these were randomly selected. Also, opinions of 14 leaders were purposively selected for the in-depth interview. Data were collected using both questionnaires and interviews. The study utilized a multi-stage sampling procedure to select respondents. The findings showed that effects of community participation on tourism development involved environmental protection, conflict resolution, employment and time consuming. Barriers to community participation in the projects were religious beliefs, lack of government support, funds, appropriate knowledge in tourism and lack of co-operation by some residents. In general, there was no significant difference in barriers to community participation among the socio-demographic characteristics of residents in the projects. It was recommended that the government through the rural banks in the area should initiate a special tourism related micro-finance scheme for the communities. Finally, the government should support the local communities by improving infrastructure and providing enough security to the projects in the region. Key words: Barriers, community participation, tourism development, residents.
Highlights
Tourism development may initiate conflicts when governments impose it on a community without consulting the local people (Dei, 2000)
According to Fridgen (1996), residents have both the right and obligation to participate in the tourism development processes that will shape the future of their community and their lives
Simmons (1994) suggests that planners use greater community participation in tourism planning. This is because the impacts of tourism are felt most keenly at the local destination area and community members are being recognised as an essential ingredient in the hospitality atmosphere of a destination
Summary
Tourism development may initiate conflicts when governments impose it on a community without consulting the local people (Dei, 2000). It is necessary that there must be some input of policies and legislation from governments to enable the local community actively gets involved in tourism development process. According to Fridgen (1996), residents have both the right and obligation to participate in the tourism development processes that will shape the future of their community and their lives. This is because local people will have to live each day with the effects of tourism development including increased numbers of people, increased use of roads and various economic and
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