Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to assess the causes of conflict in community-based ecotourism at the World
Heritage Site of Simien Mountains National Park. A cross-sectional study design with a mixed method was
used. Two hundred thirty-nine participants were included by systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed
using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean were computed and
qualitative data were triangulated. A high proportion of participants agreed or strongly agreed with the stated
items as a cause of conflict with the cumulative mean of 4.21. The majority, 88.7% agreed with inappropriate
use of power, 87.5% of respondents agreed with a lack of transparency and 86.6% believed corruption as
causes of conflict. Improper implementation of systems and unequal participation were agreed by 84.1%. The
statement “inequitable benefit sharing in community-based ecotourism is a cause of conflict” and “weak cooperation in community-based ecotourism is a cause of conflict” were agreed by 82.4% and 80% of
respondents respectively. Unsuitable use of resources was also believed as a cause of conflict by 78% of
respondents. It is therefore essential to develop a standard guideline to prevent conflict in community-based
ecotourism and to resolve conflict should it occur
