The Social Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6125ISSN: Print 1818-5800
Abstract
Ecotourism is nature-based tourism and if well-managed can contribute to the maintenance of the preservation and conservation of nature and wildlife. One of the underpinning principles of ecotourism is the involvement of the local communities. This study aims to examine, the relationship between the demographic factors and the knowledge of ecotourism amongst the local communities of Lata Jarum, Raub Pahang. The research methods used in this study are secondary data analysis and field survey which employs personal interview with a semi-structured questionnaire. The sample consists of 59 respondents from Kampung Peruas, 108 respondents from Kampung Pamas Kulat, 49 respondents from Kampung Pamah Rawas and 32 respondents from Kampung Sungai Yol. Results from the correlation analysis between the demographic factors and ecotourism knowledge show that gender, age, race and level of education have relationships with knowledge about ecotourism amongst the local communities of Mukim Ulu Dong, Lata Jarum and Pahang. The significant relationship between gender and ecotourism knowledge is a weak positive. However, a weak negative significant relationship exists between age and level of education with ecotourism knowledge. Race on the other hand, has a moderate positive significant relationship with ecotourism knowledge. This study has policy implications in terms of enhancing the involvement of local communities, as a key stakeholder in ecotourism development. Human capital development of local communities is a key building-block in fulfilling one of the precepts of ecotourism.
How to cite this article:
Er Ah Choy and Nurul Bariah Mat Lazim. Ecotourism Knowledge among the Local Communities of Lata Jarum, Pahang.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/sscience.2014.369.374
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1818-5800/sscience.2014.369.374