Ecotourism is a recently emerged concept described as an ecologically friendly, economically and socially viable form of tourism. Its aims are to conserve the environment and local culture, and to ensure the major beneficiary and participation of local communities. This research aims to analyze the determinants of community based ecotourism and its livelihood impact in local community. 213 sample households consisting 107 program and 106 non-program groups were randomly selected from 5 program and 5 counterfactual kebeles, respectively. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, field visits and focused group discussions. Results of the impact evaluation model (PSM) after eliminating the difference between the two groups revealed significant difference between program and non-program households in terms of total net household income and tourism service revenue. It can be concluded that the impact of the program intervention among participants have much influence on their livelihood. The result of logistic model regression on the factors influencing livelihood showed that the two were affected by the same set of variables except age and family size which positively affected income and productivity separately and respectively. Whereas, ownership of land and livestock, awareness and being concerned for natural resources and access to credit were found to increase net income significantly. Therefore, ecotourism program policy interventions should consider the aforementioned factors influencing households' tourism income to create positive impact on the livelihood of farm households. The participation and collaboration of different ecotourism stakeholders is suggested to promote community based ecotourism program and its role in the area.

This paper presents an analysis of the costs of protected areas (PAs) management in Ethiopia, specifically those managed by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority. The authority is managing a network of protected area (PA) systems covering an area of about 29,950 km 2 . Primary and secondary data were used. A total of 3,045 rangers are required to effectively control illegal activities. The estimated number of rangers at basic level management ranges from 70 in Senkelle to 459 in Babile sanctuary with a mean (±SD) of 243.75 (± 6.52). The actual mean (±SD) patrol range covered by a single ranger is 53.2 (± 15.08), ranging from 1.22 km 2 in Senkelle to 161.72 km 2 per ranger in Geralle National Park. At basic level management the mean (±SD) patrol range covered by a single ranger is 8.81 (± 1.31), ranging from 0.8 km 2 in Senkelle to 15.5 km 2 in Halledighe. The total annual management cost was estimated between $10.5 million to $21.5 million. The mean (±S.D) annual expenditure for basic level management is $404.45/km 2 (±164.32); ranging from $2333/km 2 in Senkelle to $166/km 2 in Halledighe. Cost Benefits Analysis showed the mean (±SD) return of investment was $129 (±41.42) for every $1 invested.

This paper presents an analysis of the costs of protected areas (PAs) management in Ethiopia specifically those managed by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority. The authority is managing a network of protected area (PA) systems covering an area of about 29,950 km 2 . Primary and secondary data were used. A total of 3,045 rangers are required to effectively control illegal activities. The estimated number of rangers at basic level management ranges from 70 in Senkelle to 459 in Babile sanctuary with a mean (± SD) of 243.75 (± 6.52). The actual mean (± SD) patrol range covered by a single ranger is 53.2 (± 15.08), ranging from 1.22 km 2 in Senkelle to 161.72 km 2 per ranger in Geralle National Park. While, at basic level management the mean (± SD) patrol range covered by a single ranger is 8.81 (± 1.31), ranging from 0.8 km 2 in Senkelle to 15.