Community participation, risk management and ecotourism sustainability issues in Ghana

Abstract

This study analysed the nexus of risk management and local community participation within the context of ecotourism sustainability. A mixed-methodological approach was employed in data collection and analysis. A sample of 210 people were conveniently selected from the two study communities. The study results were categorised under the following themes; NGOs and their roles in ensuring ecotourism sustainability; community participation toward ecotourism sustainability; government's role in ecotourism marketing and mechanisms; local communities' understanding of ecotourism sustainability, and tourist relationship with local communities. Overall, the study revealed land encroachment, illegal logging, extreme weather, poaching, bushfires and robbery as the main risks threatening the sustainability of the ecotourism sites in Ghana. In sum, the empirical and theoretical outcomes of the study can help toward developing practical risk management strategies for sustainable ecotourism development in Ghana.