https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3605 2026-04-09T19:53:14Z https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3617 Title: Community capacity building, tourism and environmental conservation: The case of the Honde Valley Bamboo Crafts Project, Zimbabwe Authors: Nyaruwata, Shepherd Abstract: Production of bamboo baskets for the Zimbabwean mass market resulted in the depletion of the bamboo grass which threatened the livelihoods of the Honde Valley community who derived their income from selling bamboo crafts. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of community capacity building programmes on stakeholders’ attitudes towards environmental conservation, changes in livelihoods, creation of new bamboo basketry products and opening up of new markets. The study used the qualitative methodology. Face to- face interviews were held with community members in the Honde Valley. A review of related literature was undertaken and annual reports of the NGO working with the community were also accessed. The study found out that after initial training community members realised the advantages of producing high quality high value bamboo basketry for the tourism industry as compared to producing high volume low value products for the local mass market. The study further found out that the new products demanded low volumes of bamboo material which resulted in sustainable use of the resource. Finally, the study observed general improvements in the livelihoods of community members in terms of increased household income, increased technical skills and exposure to the tourism market through national and international network linkages. The study concluded that the programmes enhanced the practical skills of the community members in bamboo basketry making, improved their livelihoods, expanded their mental and social horizons and created new markets for their products. The study recommends expansion of the capacity building programmes to include business management and entrepreneurship, expansion of the market linkages and targeted exposure of the products to the tourism industry. 2016-12-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3616 Title: Challenges in the role of the travel agent in tourism in Zimbabwe Authors: Nyaruwata, Shepherd Abstract: Travel agents are key elements in the distribution chain of the travel products. However, changes in characteristics of the consumer, growth of use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and the popularity of the internet as a product distribution platform, have all led to the weakening of the role of the travel agent. Travel agents in Zimbabwe have also been affected by the prevailing global trends. The aim of the study is to investigate and evaluate the survival strategies that have been employed by travel agents in Zimbabwe. The study used a mixed method approach with the questionnaire as the key data gathering instrument. 150 travel agents were investigated. The study revealed that survival strategies being used include product diversification and establishment of internet presence. It is recommended that the travel agents develop and implement consistent staff training programmes, improve internet platforms and create effective one stop shops for the travelers. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z