Exploring the impact of land reforms on community-based ecotourism initiatives: A case study of Masera community in Beitbridge district, Zimbabwe.
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Date
2013-08-02
Authors
Moyo, Mtulisi
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Abstract
Zimbabwe has for the past three decades prioritised land reform as its broad
and long term strategy to reduce poverty and inequality among its citizens.
However, during the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) in 2000,
national parks and forest reserves, (the principal habitats for Zimbabwe’s
biodiversity in plant, tree and wildlife species) were acquired and re-allocated
under ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ farming models. In terms of its approach, the FTLRP was
predominantly guided by agricultural considerations, despite the latter’s
dwindling contribution to the Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product. The
interaction of land reforms with other land-based economic activities like
community-based ecotourism and wildlife management has been overlooked
or neglected by land reform authorities in the country.
The aim of the study is to explore the impact of the FTLRP on communitybased
ecotourism initiatives, with particular reference to the Masera
community in Beitbridge district, located in south eastern Zimbabwe. The
Beitbridge district is a dry region and potential for agriculture is very limited.
Prior to the FTLRP, this district had substantial commercial farms engaged in
various wildlife protection programmes. The acquisition and re-allocation of
these farms under small-holder agriculture threatened these programmes that
were in place to protect biodiversity and endangered species.
The Masera community was purposively identified as a case study area
because of the beneficiaries’ initiative to protect natural resources under their
jurisdiction and at the same time benefitting from their use. Many land reform
beneficiary communities have not achieved the same degree of organisation
and cohesion and land reform initiatives and natural resources in their areas
have suffered irreparable damage. The study sought to describe and assess the
current status of this initiative where community-based ecotourism is being
promoted as a development strategy. The study is intended to enhance the
capacity of community-based ecotourism as an important development
strategy for balancing economic growth and conservation and thus contribute
to the sustainable development of the region.
The study concludes that community-based ecotourism is seen as a way of
bringing financial benefits for households as well as biodiversity conservation,
although economic growth for the community has been very limited. Both
beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries interviewed at the study site support the
initiative for conservation and are optimistic that ecotourism benefits will
meet intended results once proper planning mechanisms are put in place.
Recommendations are proposed based on the study findings and the literature
on land reform, sustainable development and ecotourism. Results and
recommendations could inform planning and management processes, and thus
enhance the capacity of ecotourism to generate benefits at least at the study
site and possibly elsewhere around the region.