Socio-economic Impacts of Community-Based Ecotourism on Rural Livelihoods: A Case Study of Khawa Village in the Kalahari Region, Botswana

Abstract

Community-based tourism has become an increasingly important activity for local development in southern Africa. This chapter uses a case study approach to explore the socio-economic impacts of community-based ecotourism on a remote community in the Kalahari region of western Botswana. The study was conducted in Khawa, a remote village which is located within a wildlife management area (WMA) designated mainly for wildlife conservation purposes. Data were collected using a semi-structured household survey and a telephone survey. Additionally, a participatory observation method for information/data collection was utilised. The main results indicate the following benefits: increased awareness of tourism as a business and a leisure pursuit, reduced illegal hunting activities, improved visibility of Khawa village as a tourist destination, seasonal job opportunities, monetary benefits to the Community Trust, individual cash income, game meat and infrastructure developments for tourism and the community. However, there were also negative impacts from tourism, such as noise pollution and disruption of the village peace and tranquillity, especially during the annual Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival. Thus, more sustainable tourism development oriented activities and projects which are beneficial and inclusive of the local people of Khawa are recommended.