An evaluation of Tafi Atome money sanctuary project: A study of community-based ecotourism project in Ghana

Abstract

Community-Based Ecotourism (CBE) has been popularised as an effective tool for integrating economic development and conservation. Many developing countries including Ghana have adopted this tool to aid in their developmental efforts. This thesis sets out to evaluate the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, a CBE project in the Hohoe Municipality in Ghana, within the context of the social exchange process model. The study adopted a cross sectional study design. Data was obtained from 317 residents of Tafi Atome in November, 2010. The t-test statistic and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to analyze the quantitative data. Observations made were presented with pictures while narratives from in-depth interviews were used to support the qualitative results. The study found out that the project had yielded collective benefits which were accessible to all residents in the community. It has also enhanced the local culture, increased environmental awareness amongst local residents and has become a major source of income for the community. The study also revealed that the local community is insupport of further tourism development in the area. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the project has the potential to effectively integrate economic development and conservation in Tafi Atome. It is therefore recommended that the Hohoe Municipal Assembly should offer more assistance to the project in order to make it more effective so that in the long run, the community’sneeds would be met, the environment protected, quality tourist experiences delivered and the project sustained.