Challenges in the Application of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in the Management of Ecotourism Around the Mount Cameroon National Park

Abstract ―​

The study sought to investigate the challenges faced in applying indigenous knowledge in ecotourism management in and around the Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP), Fako Division of the South West Region of Cameroon. The study specifically intended to analyze challenges faced by the indigenous people of Fako in ecotourism management. Multi-method of quantitative and qualitative approaches with two research designs including observation and exploration were used. The multi-stage sampling procedure involved strategic sampling of 9 communities and purposive sampling to select 161 households from these communities. Purposive and criterion sampling techniques were used to select 12 key informants for the interview. The findings revealed that the area around Mount Cameroon National Park is rich in ecotourism attractions and Indigenous knowledge (15 categories). Indigenous knowledge is under-documented and therefore underutilized as far as ecotourism management is concerned. Knowledge holders get old and die without proper transfer of Indigenous knowledge to the younger generation. This study implies that a more comprehensive inventory of ecotourism potentials be carried out, an in-depth identification and description of Indigenous knowledge (IK) be done, community-based ecotourism businesses be developed, and the indigenous knowledge system for ecotourism management be protected so that the knowledge holders will be encouraged to preserve and share their knowledge, seeing the benefits accruing from their preservation.