Developing a viable community-based tourism project in Botswana: the case of the Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust
DEVELOPING A VIABLE COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM PROJECT IN BOTSWANA: THE CASE OF THE CHOBE ENCLAVE CONSERVATION TRUST
JOSEPH E. MBAIWA, UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA, BOTSWANA
TLAMELO E. TSHAMEKANG, TAWANA LAND BOARD, BOTSWANA
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare tourism benefits between the Joint Venture Partnership (JVP) and the traditional Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) system at the Chobe Enclave Community Conservation Trust (CECT), Northern Botswana.
Design/methodology/approach – The ecotourism conceptual framework informed the study. Unstructured interviews with CECT members and wildlife officers were conducted. Secondary data sources including CECT annual reports and lease agreement documents with the safari company were also used.
Findings – Results indicate that the JVP has better tourism benefits (e.g. revenue, decision making) to local CECT communities than the traditional CBNRM system. The JVP also allows communities equally partnership in tourism businesses. For example, communities have 50 per cent shares in the 5-star Ngoma Lodge.
Originality/value – Results suggest that the JVP is a better model for achieving tourism benefits for communities. As such, it can significantly contribute to poverty alleviation and improved livelihoods in tourism destinations.
Keywords Joint Venture Partnership, Community-based tourism, Conservation, Livelihoods
Paper type Research paper
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