Abstract
Many countries within the Global South have adopted tourism as a strategy to spur on economic growth and development in their economies. Cameroon, which is often referred to as ‘Africa’s miniature’, is no exception to the above, and it has adopted strategies for the growth and establishment of an ecotourism sector. As a country rich in natural resources, flora, fauna and diverse landscapes, Cameroon’s potential for a dynamic ecotourism sector is immense. However, key issues need to be addressed before the sector can reach its full potential. The aim of the current research was to examine the community and stakeholder perceptions of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Cameroon, with a distinguishing feature of this research being that it was conducted across the unique geopolitical spectrum in Cameroon, which consisted of two national groups: the majority francophone population and the minority anglophone population. The study employed a mixed-method research approach, based on two case study areas (the Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP) and the Douala-Edéa Wildlife Reserve (DEWR)) in Cameroon. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 442 households throughout both the case study areas, using a systematic random sampling technique. Additionally, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted with selected key stakeholders associated with ecotourism in Cameroon, chosen via the application of a purposive sampling technique...
Ph.D. (Tourism & Hospitality)