Ecotourism in Zimbabwe: The Challenges of Balancing Social, Economic and Environmental Goals

Abstract

Over the past two decades, tourism in Zimbabwe was affected by the political and economic situation resulting from bad publicity. As a result, most ecotourism establishments under the CAMPFIRE program collapsed. Of the ecotourism establishments that survived, the revenues are decreasing such that incomes accruing to the communities have become insufficiently low. Hence, it became difficult to persuade the individuals to work collectively towards conserving and preserving the natural heritage. Ngomakurira Hills (a heritage site) was used as a case study for this particular chapter. The study used a qualitative methodology including observation, and literature review to enable the researcher to obtain the required information. Results of the study reveal that the community feels there has been a divergence from the original goals of the project which were community involvement, employment creation, improvement in income and standards of living. None of these goals were achieved, most of the respondents highlighted there has not been a change brought about by the project. The major factors affecting the potential for sustainable ecotourism at Ngomakurira were political and economic instability, lack of effective marketing and promotion, limited financial and human resources, corruption, lack of transparency, insufficient collaboration between the community, private and public sectors. The study recommends the development of an ecotourism model meant to ensure equitable distribution of ecotourism benefits, sustainable community support for the project by enhancing trans-generational preservation of natural and cultural resources.

Citation

Warinda, P., Mhonda, L., Kodzanai, T.A., Gundiwa, T. and Rinomhota, A. (2024), "Ecotourism in Zimbabwe: The Challenges of Balancing Social, Economic and Environmental Goals", Sharma, D., Abdullah, H. and Singh, P. (Ed.) Sustainable Tourism, Part B, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 19-43. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83608-326-920241002