Tourism management and local community participation in the Nyae Nyae San Conservancy
Abstract
Mayinoti, S (2012), Tourism management and local community participation in the Nyae Nyae San Conservancy, Northern Namibia, Masters thesis in Development Studies, Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State.
Abstract
The study analysed tourism activities in the Nyae Nyae San Conservancy of Northern Namibia. The focus was on local community participation in tourism management in the area. The roles of stakeholders such as government, NGOs and tour operators in helping the local community’s involvement were also assessed. The perspectives of tourists were also sought in order to have a multi-dimensional analysis of the participation of the local community.
The study reveals that the local community of the Nyae Nyae Conservancy participates in tourism mainly through making and selling crafts to visiting tourists, and cultural performances and dances. While there are non monetary benefits of tourism to the local community, such as conservation of the environment, the economic and monetary benefits are quite minimal. The majority of the community members live in relatively abject poverty despite the tourism potential and opportunities that exist in the area. The main impediment to optimal participation of the local community in tourism is lack of education, knowledge and skills that relate to complex tourism activities and business.