Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Tourism – Botswana'

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Small tourism enterprises are a driving force in tourism economies. Support for small tourism enterprises seeks to address the challenges they are facing that hinder their business growth and their input into the tourism economy. This study investigates the available support programmes and interventions that are provided by the government of Botswana to promote Small Tourism Enterprises. The significant contribution of small enterprises to local communities has thus seen the prioritizing of small business support and development by the government as a crucial point. Nevertheless, these small enterprises are often faced with many challenges that hold them back to compete with established businesses. The government of Botswana offers extensive business opportunities that favour small tourism enterprises. However, the salient question we are trying to answer is what factors need to be addressed to enable small tourism enterprises in Tsodilo community to grow and reach their full potential? The following objectives have been identified to establish areas in which small tourism businesses require support: To assess the needs of small tourism enterprises to have access to the things that will enable them to reach their full potential, to evaluate if the support in place is meeting the needs of small tourism enterprises and to examine strategies and interventions that can assist STEs. The population sample comprises small businesses in the Tsodilo community. A questionnaire survey of small tourism businesses was conducted to acquire primary data. In addition, secondary data from the national development plan, tourism plans and tourism statistics was used. In general, the findings reveal that a thorough consultation with small tourism enterprises is necessary when support programmes and interventions are developed. By using t findings, the government can evaluate its own efforts and ensure that support programmes are designed to meet the identified needs of small tourism enterprises. Additional research should aim at examining the sustainability of tourism development in the area as well as examining planning processes for tourism-targeted programmes.

Bibliography: leaves 110-115.
In 1984, Botswana was an independent country at an early stage of development. It had a limited capital infrastructure, poor agricultural resources, a growing population and low formal sector employment. The country had been politically stable and had made a noteworthy transition from the poor economic position at independence in 1966 to the economic strength prevailing in the country at that time. The positive economic outlook was however, due mainly to a single product, diamonds. Background to the study: The Government of the Republic of Botswana had identified the development of a tourist industry as a means of stimulating and diversifying economic growth. In the absence of other attractions, tourism based upon wildlife - ecotourism - was seen as the area most amenable to such development. Government statistical and financial data does not identify tourism as a discrete activity. Analysis based upon this data suggests that the contribution of tourism to the economy of the country was negligible. It was believed this analysis is erroneous. The hypothesis underlying this study is that tourism was already making a significant contribution to the economy of Botswana in 1984 but that this contribution was not reflected because of the statistical and accounting data collection systems in use in that country. The research showed that the Central Statistics Office of the Government of Botswana produced regular statistical bulletins on tourism in Botswana.

Thesis (DTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010
Purpose: Botswana is one of the countries with the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world. This research aims to investigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on the socio-economic environment in Botswana with special reference to the country’s tourism sector. Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of Botswana. It creates employment, earns foreign exchange, markets Botswana internationally, attracts foreign investments and contributes to Gross Domestic Products (GDP).Methodology: This report explains the HIV/AIDS situation and policy framework relative to the tourism sector in Botswana and in selected African countries through conducting an extensive literature review and empirical surveys. This is a quantitative research in which non-probability method is used to indentify the respondents. Here tourism general managers are identified and asked to identify their subordinates who are available and willing to participate in the survey by answering a self-administered questionnaire.Findings: This study indicates that HIV/AIDS threatens the Botswana tourism and the viability of the socio-economic factors. In general, the Southern African region is experiencing the highest rate of HIV infection in the world. The infection rate is particularly high among the young people (aged 15 – 49). This age group constitutes people who are economically active, and a number of them work directly or indirectly in the tourism sector. HIV/AIDS kills the economically active population – people who hold the skills, do the work, pay taxes, raise children, vote in the elections, and provide leadership. HIV/AIDS results in increased mortality and morbidity rates, and it also results in increased health expenditure. It also results in increased poverty level in the country.Practical implications: When observing the prevalence and impact of HIV/AIDS not only in the tourism sector but in general, it becomes evident that the fight against the disease should be a collaborative approach involving various sectors including tourism. Relying only on government and health sector to address the complex and systematic impact of HIV/AIDS cannot effectively combat the disease and its prevalence rate.Originality/value: This report analyses HIV/AIDS situation in Botswana in a creative way, contributing to the understanding of its impacts on the socio-economic environment as well as identifying strategies that can be used in addressing the impacts. This research is important for public policy makers, government officials, and tourism role-players to be aware of implications HIV/AIDS has on the socio-economic environment and take them into consideration in the policy formulation and implementation, business strategies and processes. It is also imperative to academics who would like to expand their knowledge on HIV/AIDS.

The research explored the training needs of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) structures, specifically for Tsodilo Hills, as well as the learning methods that best suit community members and how training can be used to strengthen Social Capital. Tourism is a means to alleviate poverty and empower communities, however, some CBT projects fail to deliver this due to a lack of skills, conflict and community disengagement. Nationally recognized vocational training does not impart the skills required for CBT and is not accessible to individuals in remote locations. The constructivist grounded theory methodology was used. Feedback was obtained from the Tsodilo Hills community, government bodies, hospitality and tourism associations, tourism operators and educational institutions through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The data was transcribed, coded and analyzed. The findings indicate that training needs to focus on foundational, multi-disciplinary hard skills in hospitality and tourism, language, business, customer service and environmental sustainability, as well as soft skills, such as, in work attitude, innovation, conflict management, and communication. Training must be conducted in the community and tailored using an andragogical teaching approach. An Asset-Based Community Development approach, including CBT stakeholders, must be used to plan and implement training to ensure that learners and the community remain the focal point. Literature supports these findings. The research delivered a CBT Rapid Skills Development model which provided remote communities with access to relevant vocational training aligned to tourism principles and their specific needs, thereby increasing the likelihood of an inclusive and sustainable tourism industry.

Purpose: This study aims to (1) describe and analyse the local ground operator’s role in the network of the Botswana tourism industry, (2) to investigate what factors characterize and influence their relationships with foreign tour operators, as well as (3) to provide implications for improving these relations. Methodology: This study has been conducted as a case study, where the empirical data was collected during a two months field trip to Botswana. A qualitative research method, and a deductive approach has been used. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted with ground operators to get their perspective of their own situation, and one with a person representing a governmental organisation. Most data was collected through the interviews, but participating observation also served as a source of information. The validity and reliability of the study has been enhanced by defining core concepts, interviewing several respondents, using an interview guide and recording most of the interviews. Results: Local ground operators play are crucial role in the network of Botswana’s tourism industry, as they are engaged in a high number of business relationships, are bringing the services at the destination together, and are connecting them to the tourists. They play a role as both customers and suppliers. Their relationship to tour operators abroad consists of a lot of resource ties, activity links as well as some actor bonds. Trust is found to be a very essential part of the relationship, and they perceive themselves as being dependent on the tour operators. Culture is not identified as a major influencing factor. As for managerial recommendations, a better communication in expectations and an increased adaptation of products and processes, to create customer dependence, are among the results advised.

This essay is based on a study of the relocation of the G//ana and G/wi San from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana. The purpose of the study is to assess the conflicts that have arisen as a result of the relocation-programs, in order to highlight the situation of the San. Addressing issues of nature conservation, eco-tourism and indigeneity, the essay discuss how conservation policies, development programs and eco-tourism projects have been implemented in the Central Kalahari, and the consequences these policies have had for the people who first inhabited the area.

In recent years the use of tourism as a development strategy by third world governments has increased, resulting in the intersection of international tourism and local agricultural strategies. The aim of this thesis is to critically assess the impact of tourism development on local agriculture in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. More specifically, the study appraises the current state of tourism and agriculture in the Okavango Delta, assesses the social, economic and environmental effects of tourism development on the Okavango Delta and its communities, examines local agricultural production and consumption patterns, assesses the patterns of supply and demand of food in the region, and evaluates the impact of tourism on local subsistence agriculture, while making use of both qualitative and quantitative data sources. The Okavango Delta region is faced with several socio-economic problems. These include high unemployment levels, unequal regional development, income inequalities and extreme levels of poverty. 'Rural-urban' migration by local subsistence farmers in search of formal employment opportunities has risen steadily since the early 1990s, resulting in unprecedented social changes to the inhabitants of the Delta, and the abandonment of traditional farming practices. This, together with the limited interaction between the local population and tourism industry, is increasingly leading to tension between local and foreign parties in the region. The large proportion of foreign owned tourist facilities and foreign investment results in major economic leakages, and the exclusion of Motswana from any form of meaningful participation in the tourism industry. The presence of foreign tourists in the Delta enforces the need for imports, increasingly damaging local agricultural production as both production and consumption becomes imported. If tourism is to be of any benefit to the local population in the Okavango Delta, there has to be local involvement and ownership. The fostering of linkages between tourism and other sectors, particularly agriculture, is imperative in attempting to bring about socio-economic growth in this region.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

abstract: Firstly, this study uses community asset mapping guided by the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) to explore the linkages between Protected Areas (PAs), tourism and community livelihoods. Secondly, it assesses changes in community needs facilitated by community participation in wildlife-based tourism in a protected area setting. Thirdly and finally, the study assesses whether the introduction of community wildlife-based tourism in a protected area as a sustainable management tool has led to the spiraling up or down of community capitals. The study adopted qualitative research method approach and made use of data collected through community asset mapping supplemented by data from focus group discussions, households, key informants, and secondary data materials that were analyzed and interpreted in light of community capital framework. The Chobe National Park (CNP) and Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust (CECT); a community living adjacent to CNP in Botswana provides the context on which this study's discussion focuses. Results indicate that the accession of Botswana from colonialism through post colonialism era intertwined considerable institutional arrangement changes in the field of protected area governance that reflects evolutionary management styles. Protected areas, tourism and community livelihoods linkages are based on many inter-dependents of community capitals relationships which are dependent on community socio-economic activities. In assessing changes in community needs, the results indicate that participation in wildlife-based tourism has brought both positive and negative changes that have implications on both the status quo for community livelihoods and protected areas, namely; the influence of changes in community capitals dynamics, mechanization and commercialization of agriculture, government funded infrastructural development, income generation, and the commodification of some of the community capitals. Finally, the increased livelihoods options and diversification dynamics, fragile wildlife-livestock co-existence, heightened human-wildlife conflicts, environmental education and awareness are the emerging themes that explain how the introduction of tourism in a protected area setting affect the spiraling up and down of the community capitals dynamics.
Dissertation/Thesis
Ph.D. Community Resources and Development 2013

In recent years the use of tourism as a development strategy by Third World governments has increased, resulting in the intersection of international tourism and local resource utilisation patterns. The aim of this thesis is to critically assess the impact of tourism in the utilisation and management of natural resources in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. More specifically, the study appraises the current state of tourism and natural resource utilisation and management in the Okavango Delta; assesses the past and present forms of resource utilisation practised by the local inhabitants scattered throughout the Delta area; focuses on the implementation of government policy regarding resource use; highlights past and present relationships between tourism and resource utilisation; and examines the impact of tourism on the areas resources, environment and local inhabitants. Research has shown that the Okavango Delta, which is Botswana's primary tourism area, is faced with a number of social, economic and environmental challenges. These include extreme levels of poverty, especially in the rural areas; lack of infrastructure; competition over land and resources; growing regional inequality; social degradation; increased imports leading to foreign exchange leakages; changes in subsistence strategies and increased 'rural-urban' .migration; and the loss of control of the region by the local population to the global tourism system. The Okavango Delta is in the process of undergoing a change from traditional, rural, subsistence economies and livelihoods to capitalist, commercial-driven economic structures. In the Okavango Delta, as in many places around the world, people are in the process of being integrated into national level political, social and economic institutions, both within and outside of their control. The creation of employment for the local population, the sustainable use of the Delta and its resources, the development of the local agricultural industry, the continued growth of the tourism industry, and striking a balance between the conservation/preservation of the Okavango and meeting the water requirement needs of Angola, Namibia, and Botswana's growing populations are amongst the key concerns present in the area. 11 Tourism in the Okavango Delta is directly dependent upon the utilisation of the region's natural resources of wildlife, water and natural vegetation areas for the industry. As such, tourism has increasingly impacted upon the way, and degree to which, these resources are managed and utilised, hence being identified as a key factor effecting the resource sector. If the Government of Botswana is to develop a tourism industry which fosters environmental and natural resource preservation, rather than maintaining a heavy dependence on limited and fragile resources, a better understanding of the relationship between the two sectors is necessary. Enhancing the positive linkages between tourism and natural resource utilisation in the Okavango Delta region represents an important means to stimulate increased natural resource and environmental protection, and improve the distribution of tourism benefits to rural communities. amongst the key concerns present in the area. Tourism in the Okavango Delta is directly dependent upon the utilisation of the region's natural resources of wildlife, water and natural vegetation areas for the industry. As such, tourism has increasingly impacted upon the way, and degree to which, these resources are managed and utilised, hence being identified as a key factor effecting the resource sector. If the Government of Botswana is to develop a tourism industry which fosters environmental and natural resource preservation, rather than maintaining a heavy dependence on limited and fragile resources, a better understanding of the relationship between the two sectors is necessary. Enhancing the positive linkages between tourism and natural resource utilisation in the Okavango Delta region represents an important means to stimulate increased natural resource and environmental protection, and improve the distribution of tourism benefits to rural communities.
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006

abstract: This study explores domestic and international tourists' perceptions of nature-based tourism using the North-South conceptualization of nature and the setting up of national parks as a conceptual framework. In addition, using Urry's (1990) tourist gaze, the study assesses tourism promotions in Botswana from locals' and tourism marketers' points of view. Moreover, the study assesses locals' tourist gaze and compares it with the international tourist gaze. Qualitative methods were used to collect data, including in-depth interviews with local residents, international tourists, and tourism promoters such as government agencies and the private sector. Photo-elicitation interviews were also carried out to help identify the respondents' gaze. Six study sites, including the protected areas of Chobe National Park (CNP), Moremi Game Reserve (MGR), two cities of Gaborone and Francistown, and two urban villages of Palapye and Maun were selected for this study. Results indicate that the way people in the South conceptualize nature is different from the way international tourists do, and this has an impact on visitations to national parks. While for international tourists nature symbolizes recreation, rejuvenation, and an opportunity `to get away from it all', for locals it is seen as a part of everyday life. Furthermore, tourism promotions in the country are geared towards promoting Western tourists' gaze with the local market gaze being totally ignored by the sector. The local gaze is also different from the Western gaze. While for international tourists visiting Botswana the gaze is directed towards wildlife and wilderness, for locals, the gaze is directed towards more traditional destinations, such as farms, as well as more `modern' attractions and `touristic' attractions. However, it is the Western gaze that is taken into consideration by tourism promoters, thereby questioning the sustainability of an industry that disregards one group over another. The results also indicate that culture and historical events have an impact on visitations to protected areas. Policy implications are discussed.
Dissertation/Thesis
Doctoral Dissertation Community Resources and Development 2014

This study analyzed changes in livelihoods before and after tourism development at Khwai, Mababe and Sankoyo villages in the Okavango Delta. Specifically, it analyzed how people interacted with species like giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) and thatching grass (Cymbopogon excavatus) before and after tourism development. This analysis was expected to measure the effectiveness of tourism development as a tool to improve livelihoods and conservation. The concept of social capital, sustainable livelihoods framework and the Community- Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) paradigm informed the study. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through field-based research, using tools of participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and key informant interviews. Results indicate that local customs and institutions at Khwai, Mababe and Sankoyo ensured the conservation of resources in pre-colonial Botswana. However, British colonial rule (1885-1966) affected traditional institutions of resource use hence the beginning of resource decline. The British colonial rule and the first 15-20 years after Botswana’s independence from British rule saw an increase in resource degradation. Results also indicate that since CBNRM began in the 1990s, tourism development has positive and negative effects on rural livelihoods. On the positive side, tourism development in some ways is achieving its goals of improved livelihoods and conservation. Residents’ attitudes towards tourism development and conservation have also become positive compared to a decade ago when these communities were not involved in tourism development. On the negative side, tourism is emerging as the single livelihood option causing either a decline or abandonment of traditional options like hunting and gathering and agricultural production. Reliance on tourism alone as a livelihood option is risky in the event of a global social, economic and political instability especially in countries where most tourists that visit the Okavango originate or in Botswana itself. There is need, therefore, for communities to diversify into domestic tourism and small-scale enterprises. On the overall, tourism development through CBNRM indicates that it is a viable tool to achieve improved livelihoods and conservation in the Okavango Delta.

Abstract in English, Afrikaans and Zulu
Tourism generates foreign currency and employment, and proper planning and management benefits the community and environment upon which tourism depends. The study investigated the management of sustainable action plans at selected nature-based attractions in Botswana, namely; Gaborone Game Reserve, Khutse Game Reserves, and Mokolodi Nature Reserve. Purposive, convenience and snowball sampling yielded 25 respondents for semi-structured interviews. Findings highlighted that sustainable action plans, like recycling and engaging local labour, were managed and implemented to a small extent. The conclusions were that the full potential of sustainable action plans management needed to be fully explored. The study recommends government enforcement of policies, master plans and strategies for management of sustainable action plans in nature-based attractions; and decentralisation of public nature-based attractions to allow managers full management of sustainable action plans. Government and private sector should fund management of all nine sustainable action plans, and implement a holistic tourism strategy to retain the quality of tourists’ experiences.
Ezokuvakasha zidala imali yangaphandle kanye nomsebenzi, nokuhlelwa kahle nokuphathwa kahle komphakathi kanye nemvelo lapho ezokuvakasha zincike khona. Ucwaningo lucwaninge ukuphathwa kwezinhlelo zokusebenza ezisimeme ezikhethiwe zokukhangiswa kwemvelo eBotswana, okuyiSiqiwi iGaborone, iSiqiwi iKhutse, nokuGcinwa kweMvelo iMokolodi. Imibonakaliso ekhethwe ngokusekelwe ezilinganisweni zabantu kanye nenhloso yocwaningo (purposive sampling), indlela yokubala nokudweba idatha emele ngokukhetha abantu ngenxa yokukhululeka kokuzithandela kwabo (convenience sampling) kanye nabacwaningi bezokucwaninga abathatha abanye abahlanganyeli ukuze banze ucwaningo (snowball sampling) inikeza abaphenduli abangu-25 ngemibuzo ehleliwe. Okutholakele kubonise ukuthi izinhlelo zokusebenza ezisimeme, njengokuvuselela kabusha nokubandakanya abasebenzi basekhaya, zaphathwa futhi zenziwa ngendlela encane. Isiphetho sasiwukuthi amandla aphelele okuphathwa ezinhlelo zokusebenza ezisimeme kufanele ahlolwe. Ucwaningo luphakamisa ukuqiniswa kwezinqubomgomo kuhulumeni, izinhlelo ezinhle kanye namasu okuphathwa kwezinhlelo zokusebenza ezisimeme ezikhethiwe zokukhangiswa kwemvelo; kanye nokwabiwa kwamandla okukhangayo okusekelwe emphakathini ukuvumela abaphathi ukuphatha ngokugcwele kwalezi zinhlelo. Uhulumeni kanye nezimboni ezizimele kufanele baxhase ukuphathwa kwazo zonke izinhlelo zokusebenza ezisimeme eziyisishiyagalolunye, futhi basebenzise uhlelo lwezokuvakasha oluphelele ukugcina isipiliyoni sabavakashi sisezingeni.
Toerisme genereer buitelandse valuta en werkverskaffing, en behoorlike beplanning en bestuur is tot voordeel van die gemeenskap en omgewing waarop toerisme staatmaak. Die studie het die bestuur van volhoubare aksieplanne by geselekteerde natuurgebaseerde besienswaardighede in Botswana, naamlik die Gaborone, Khutse en Mokolodi Natuurreservate, ondersoek. Doelbewuste, gerief- en sneeubalsteekproefneming het 25 respondente vir semigestruktureerde onderhoude opgelewer. Volgens die bevindings, is volhoubare aksieplanne soos herwinning en die gebruik van plaaslike arbeid, tot ’n mate bestuur en geïmplementeer. Die gevolgtrekking was dat die volle potensiaal van volhoubare aksieplanbestuur verken moet word. Die studie het regeringstoepassing van beleide, meesterplanne en strategieë aanbeveel vir die bestuur van volhoubare aksieplanne in natuurgebaseerde besienswaardighede; en die desentralisasie van openbare natuurgebaseerde besienswaardighede om bestuurders toe te laat om hierdie planne ten volle te bestuur. Die regering en die privaat sektor behoort die bestuur van al nege die volhoubare aksieplanne te befonds, en 'n holistiese toerismestrategie te implementeer om die gehalte van toeriste-ervarings te behou.
Transport Economics, Logistics and Tourism
M. Com. (Tourism Management)

This paper presents a case study from Ngamiland, northern Botswana where community~ based natural resource management (CBNRM), through a joint venture agreement (NA) between a Community~based Organisation (CBO) and the private sector for nonconsumptive tourism has been implemented with the objective of contributing to localised poverty alleviation and livelihood diversification through employment and CBO fee revenue. The economic contribution of these benefits is considered with respect to commonly accepted norms and standards within the development ideology of sustainable development and its global measurements; therefore, a brief background of the concepts of poverty, livelihood and ecotourism is presented to provide context for the evaluation of CBNRM as a preferred land~use in Botswana. An evaluation of the significance of wage employment revenue and consequent remittances in the specific case study is intended to contribute to existing studies which have primarily emphasised the contribution of CBO fee revenue only to households. It is concluded that wage employment revenue makes a significant contribution at a household level to localised poverty alleviation and livelihood diversification compared to the insignificant contribution ofCBO fee revenue.
Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.

Water is life, and without it nothing can survive. All plants and animals need water to survive, whether it is fresh or salty. Climate change and pollution contribute greatly to the decline of freshwater supply and quality (National Geographic, 2015). According to the United Nations, 10% of the global population does not have access to clean water (UN Water, 2016) while World Health Organisation (WHO, 2009) stated that 3,4 million people die annually from water related diseases. The tourism industry across the world requires water for basic human consumption, irrigation of gardens and golf courses, preparation of food and drinks, making snow for winter sports and general water activities such as swimming or motorised water sports (Gössling et al., 2012). Many tourism lodges in the wildlife lodge industry in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana are in remote areas where little or no infrastructure exist. These lodges are dependent on natural water sources such as rivers, dams and boreholes to supply their water demand. The main objectives of the study were to determine water quality and quantity management in lodges from South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. The objectives were divided into sub-categories such as frequency and comprehensiveness of water quality analysis, the current quality of water at each lodge, water consumption per capita, establish benchmarks for the lodges and investigated other management components such as stakeholder involvement, financial implications and the monitoring of water management systems Across all three countries, 29% of the lodges have tested the water quality of their source, 61% tested water quality on their taps and 19% tested water quality of their wastewater discharge. From the 61% that did water quality tests on their tap, only 11% tested more than 37% of the required parameters as stated in the countries relevant standards and guidelines. The results indicated that the average water consumption across all three countries were 2073 l/g/n or 503 l/b/n when staff is included. Strong correlations were established between water consumption, the guest to staff ratio and rate in US $ when all three countries were considered. The water quality results indicated that several lodges had issues with Iron, Sulphate and Chloride levels. The author concluded that the current water management systems can be improved to ensure that water quality is managed more sustainably in the wildlife industry. The biggest concern relates to wastewater discharge, where very few water quality analysis are done. This has the potential to cause pollution and degrade ecosystems. It was recommended that more frequent and more comprehensive water quality analysis must be carried out on wastewater discharge as well as tap water to ensure water is safe for consumption. Lodge managers can appoint designated personnel to ensure that water meter readings are taken monthly and that they are probably recorded. The use of modern equipment such as pulse meters will prevent meters from seizing. Smart meters can be used to upload data to a cloud where WIFI is available.
Department of Environmental Sciences
M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

Student Number : 0500819P - MSc dissertation - School of Geography, Archaeology and Environment Studies - Faculty of Science
The research assesses the impacts of Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) and tourism upon community livelihoods, local behaviour and wildlife conservation. The research aims to analyze whether CBNRM is working as it is intended as well as to assess the socio-economic status of the community in terms of whether the CBNRM project has influenced their livelihoods for the better, than when the project was non-existent. The research findings indicate that CBNRM projects can deliver in terms of improvement of rural local community’s livelihoods and natural resources management. However, a lack of understanding of the CBNRM concept, lack of entrepreneurships and managerial skills, poor participation by general membership, poor distribution of the income benefits and lack of consultation to the project’s community membership by the project management are some of the constraints and challenges that emerge from the case study of the Nata Bird Sanctuary CBNRM project.

The main goal of this study is the development a strategic framework for the promotion of local cuisine in Botswana. This goal was achieved in five key objectives. Firstly the study set to review extant literature on tourists‟ cuisine experiences in general and in Botswana. An understanding of tourists‟ cuisine experiences is significant in paving the way for increased promotion in cuisine tourism, an alternative form of tourism that has remained relatively neglected in the country‟s tourism development efforts. Secondly the study sought to identify key Setswana cuisine that could be used for tourism purposes. Thirdly whilst previous studies examining food tourists‟ behaviour and tourists‟ experiences of local cuisine mainly investigated tourists‟ intentions to revisit and their intentions to experience local cuisine, this study sought to assess actual cuisine consumption behaviour of tourists. An understanding of consumption behaviour is important in the development and promotion of cuisine tourism products. The study reviews literature on theories of behaviour in order to identify factors of local cuisine consumption behaviour thus adding theoretical underpinning on theories of tourist experience in addressing the third objective. Fourthly, the study also set to analyse strategic tourism management literature concerning the development and promotion of local cuisine. In consideration of the promotional methods that are being used or could be used to promote cuisine, the study lastly concludes by designing a strategic framework for the tourism promotion of local cuisine and provides varied general recommendations and recommendations for future research as part of Objective Five. The framework that was developed in Chapter Six was therefore a culmination of the five key objectives. The framework is a unique approach in assessing both supply and demand perspectives of cuisine tourism promotion. A pragmatic approach to research philosophy is adopted because of its inherent advantages of dualism; since pragmatists use mixed methods research. A mixed methods research design is also selected for this study since quantitative and qualitative techniques were used in trying to understand the main goal of the overall study, that of devising a strategic framework for the promotion of local cuisine in Botswana. Four key research tools were used: an expert opinion survey, a food and beverage supervisor survey, a tourist (diner) survey and interviews with tourism and hospitality marketing officials in Gaborone. The expert opinion survey, administered as a semi-structured questionnaire, inter alia, used content from extant literature to identify key Setswana cuisine that could be used for tourism promotion. The food and beverage supervisor survey (face to face and interview administered) assessed the extent to which Setswana cuisine was promoted at the establishment and also identified cuisine that diners mostly preferred, amongst other things. The tourist (diner survey), mainly administered through a semi-structured questionnaire, was used to identify the main characteristics of diners within Gaborone‟s hotel and non-hotel restaurants, also identifying, inter alia, the main factors that predict these diners‟ Setswana cuisine consumption behaviour. In addition interviews held with tourism and hospitality marketing officials were used to assess promotion efforts nationwide and challenges associated with promoting Setswana cuisine. Some parts of the surveys were analysed qualitatively. In other parts, descriptive statistics, stepwise multiple regression, linear regression, independent t tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. This study has managed to identify 15 key cuisine types and eight additional cuisine types that have potential for tourism promotion, have association with national identity and are highly preferred by customers. Amongst these, seswaa (pound boiled beef) emerged as the number one cuisine attractor for the country. These cuisine types were incorporated in the strategic framework as cuisine that can be promoted at a larger scale to domestic and international tourists. Findings from the study also imply that diners visiting hotel and non-hotel restaurants in Gaborone were mainly day visitors. Their cuisine experiences are mainly secondary since their main motivations for dining were „fun and relaxation‟ and „meeting friends and family‟. These two motives are related to the generic travel motives and may not be specific to cuisine related travel. These two motives were also related to the main factors that predicted consumption behaviour, which were „arousal‟, „social others‟ and an „open culture‟ as analysed through stepwise multiple regression. Arousal is an emotional response associated with excitement. It was found to be the main predictor of Setswana cuisine consumption behaviour. This factor is likely to be more associated with the presence of „social others‟ such as friends and family. The three factors could be linked to Batswana‟s (since they were the majority of diners in the restaurants) style of living which emphasises on socialisation, togetherness and openness. Several challenges associated with the promotion of local cuisine were also noted. Amongst these, were language barriers, safety, health and hygiene considerations, aesthetic factors, supply irregularities, lack of market interest and cost considerations. However the study also identified the importance of the national tourism website, the hotel/restaurants websites, television and functions, events or festivals as key promotional tools that could be used in promoting local cuisine especially at domestic level. Additional measures such as increased supplier and tourist education and awareness; establishment of safety, hygiene and health standards; maintenance of consistent and appropriate levels of supply; maintenance of authenticity of Setswana cuisine and identification and introduction of cuisine promotion champions were identified. This study adds knowledge on cuisine experiences from a developing African country context. From a practical point of view, this study emphasises the promotion of key cuisine based on tourism potential, national identity and customer preference. The study is important in that it also aids awareness of cuisine products in the country that have potential for tourism promotion, based on their gastronomic image and preference by customers. The study is also important in that it presents information on an often neglected aspect of tourism marketing, the importance of the national tourism organisation and hotel/restaurant websites to the international tourist. In the global arena, the use of modern forms of marketing such as the online platform of marketing can never be over-emphasised. Theoretically the study accentuates the importance of the trio; tourism potential, national identity and customer preference as concepts whose link requires further understanding in influencing selection of key cuisine for promotion by destination marketers. From the study, it also emerged that an understanding of models based on the concurrent use and application of mixed methods forms of research especially in cuisine consumption studies is an area that should be advanced. An understanding of these models is important given the nature of the tourism product whose production and consumption is inseparable. Lastly it materialized from the study that a modified version of the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour can be used to explain prediction in Setswana cuisine consumption behaviour. All this information was significantly used in the design of the strategic framework for the promotion of local cuisine in Chapter Six.
PhD (Tourism Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Student Number: 9601911P - MA research report - School of Arts - Faculty of Humanities
The purpose of this study was to find out the social impact of community-based tourism on host communities, using a case study of Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust. Community-based tourism is the new buzzword for tourism development nowadays, with its proponents promoting its potential to increase local benefits and to empower local communities in economic, social, environmental and cultural terms. This research sought to address closely the benefits and problems associated with community-based tourism in one community in Botswana. The research also attempted to find out how involved the community is in decision making processes involving the running of the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a community-based initiative which is not only involved in tourism, but also in environmental education. The research findings indicate that there is no sense of ownership amongst the community and benefits have not been forthcoming. Although job opportunities have been created, these have not been increasing since the inception of the Sanctuary. Above all, the Sanctuary still relies heavily on foreign donors. In order to address the research questions, qualitative methods of data collection and analysis were employed.