The implied significance of integrative geographical information systems in sustainable tourism and comprehensive community development in Musina Municipality, South Africa
ISSN: 2754-1312
Article publication date: 15 November 2021
Issue publication date: 30 March 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper was to explore the latent function of geographic information systems (GIS) in sustainable tourism, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) and local community development in Southern Africa, broadly Africa, and diverse rural areas elsewhere globally. Hence, significantly liaising with data and literature review on the Musina Municipality natural resource management, livelihoods, and tourism development issues in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilizes a general literature review, document reviews, focus group discussions and field observations to examine the Musina Municipality's rural, environmental and tourism resources management situations along with African and worldwide pertinent implications. The study benchmarks with CBNRM and GIS in sustainable tourism nature within the Musina Municipality.
Findings
The study reveals a fitter dormant-synergetic link among tourism and agrarian (rural) exercises that GIS along a concept of CBNRM can expand within the Municipality. Hence, the study has presented a necessity for a proper and a GIS-unified tourism approach to permit the local communities in Musina Municipality and towards the entire continent.
Originality/value
Several rural populations in Southern Africa and Africa broadly dwell in low-income areas; Musina Municipality is no exception. Such environs are rich in natural biodiversity, including tourism entities host regions. GIS, sustainable tourism and CBNRM can create a gestalt of local community development projects within such milieus.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author profoundly acknowledges the editors and anonymous reviewers for their auspices and guidance on the manuscript. The earlier ecotourism background of the study was gathered from the University of Pretoria’s Tourism Management Division; GIS training from the Center for Environmental Studies sprouted this particular investigation and is justly acknowledged. Hence, the author acknowledges the UNIVEN DSU unit for rendering the stationery throughout the examination and equally all the research participants. SANSA Earth Observation is worth duly endorsed for funding this examination.
Citation
Ramaano, A.I. (2022), "The implied significance of integrative geographical information systems in sustainable tourism and comprehensive community development in Musina Municipality, South Africa", Technological Sustainability, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 42-63. https://doi.org/10.1108/TECHS-08-2021-0001
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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