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Local residents' perceptions of community-based tourism : a survey of key stakeholders at Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy in Namibia
Author(s)
Auala, Sisco Lovisa Ndapanda
Date Issued
2010
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
Local communities in Namibia have few options for alternative income apart from selling
crafts and livestock farming. The main objective of this study was to create an in-depth
understanding of the perceptions of the local community at Twyfelfontein Uibasen
Conservancy regarding community based tourism (CBT), and to develop strategies that
could be used to influence these perceptions with the main goal of using CBT as a vehicle
towards the improvement of local peoples' livelihoods. The study also examined structures
and institutions that impact the direction of CBT development at Twyfelfontein Uibasen
Conservancy. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed for data gathering. A survey was
undertaken by means of 67 structured questionnaires among local community members and
key stakeholders, which resulted in a 100% return rate. Five in-depth interviews with
stakeholders from government, NGOs, the private sector and financiers were also
conducted. The findings reveal that local community measure development in line with
socio-economic issues since 39% strongly disagreed that their needs are being met through
CBT project implementation. They feel that the infrastructure for tourist is well developed for
international standards, whilst conversely, community members live in squatter camps, burn
candles and live in squalid conditions.
Whilst the Namibian government has recognised tourism as a potential means of poverty
alleviation, issues of ownership of cultural heritage resources are still not yet in the hands of
locals. The study argues that tourism development has been pursued more for economic
purposes than for sustainable tourism development. Whilst the conservancies were set up as
a strategy for poverty alleviation, the study concludes that development has not yet filtered
down to the needy. Therefore, perceptions among the local community are negative towards
CBT as a vehicle for socio-cultural and economic development. This study recommends that in order for CBT development to be meaningful, local
participation through ownership, capacity building and control should have precedence over
pure economic issues. Currently, the biggest beneficiaries seem to be the private tourism
sector and, to some degree, foreign investors.
Further research should be conducted to evaluate the impact of community perceptions on
the tourist in the long - run, since tourist arrival figures continue to increase at Twyfelfontein.
crafts and livestock farming. The main objective of this study was to create an in-depth
understanding of the perceptions of the local community at Twyfelfontein Uibasen
Conservancy regarding community based tourism (CBT), and to develop strategies that
could be used to influence these perceptions with the main goal of using CBT as a vehicle
towards the improvement of local peoples' livelihoods. The study also examined structures
and institutions that impact the direction of CBT development at Twyfelfontein Uibasen
Conservancy. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed for data gathering. A survey was
undertaken by means of 67 structured questionnaires among local community members and
key stakeholders, which resulted in a 100% return rate. Five in-depth interviews with
stakeholders from government, NGOs, the private sector and financiers were also
conducted. The findings reveal that local community measure development in line with
socio-economic issues since 39% strongly disagreed that their needs are being met through
CBT project implementation. They feel that the infrastructure for tourist is well developed for
international standards, whilst conversely, community members live in squatter camps, burn
candles and live in squalid conditions.
Whilst the Namibian government has recognised tourism as a potential means of poverty
alleviation, issues of ownership of cultural heritage resources are still not yet in the hands of
locals. The study argues that tourism development has been pursued more for economic
purposes than for sustainable tourism development. Whilst the conservancies were set up as
a strategy for poverty alleviation, the study concludes that development has not yet filtered
down to the needy. Therefore, perceptions among the local community are negative towards
CBT as a vehicle for socio-cultural and economic development. This study recommends that in order for CBT development to be meaningful, local
participation through ownership, capacity building and control should have precedence over
pure economic issues. Currently, the biggest beneficiaries seem to be the private tourism
sector and, to some degree, foreign investors.
Further research should be conducted to evaluate the impact of community perceptions on
the tourist in the long - run, since tourist arrival figures continue to increase at Twyfelfontein.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Tourism and Hospitality)))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010.
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