ROLES OF ECOTOURISM IN ENHANCING IMPROVEMENT OF COMMUNITY LIVELIHOOD IN ZANZIBAR

Abstract

The study assessed the Roles of Ecotourism in enhancing the Improvement of Community Livelihood in Zanzibar. The study employed several methods of data collection such as interviews, questionnaires, and physical visits. Quantitative data analysis was done using content analysis. A descriptive research design was adopted to enable the findings to be tested scientifically. The findings from the study were analyzed and quantified in numbers. A simple random sampling was adopted for sample selection. The collection of data for this study was done by using questionnaires both open-ended and closed ended questions, interviews, and physical visits. The results obtained were analyzed and tested using the statistical software SPSS to come up with valid, accurate, and reliable findings. The findings were presented by using frequency tables, charts, and graphs to reflect responses to the subject concern. The results show that ecotourism is the first major Social-economic activity practiced among Community Members as a major means of sustaining and improving their Livelihood. Ecotourism helps Community Members generate Income, employment, and market expansion of local products. The Study concluded that Ecotourism had several benefits that aimed at enhancing the improvement of Community Livelihood. The study further suggests possible solutions to the challenges that are facing ecotourism activities and gives out some recommendations and advice to the Community, Policy analysts, Government, and other stakeholders. Some recommendations that were given are ecotourism should be practiced and centered on the needs of local people. Further, policymakers should be capable of understanding the needs of the community and how they can amend their policies to meet the objectives of improving the welfare of the Community that depends on Ecotourism for their survival. The solutions given if practiced, will rapidly increase ecotourism activities in the Regions that further accelerate the improvement of the community livelihood.