Community capacity building, tourism and environmental conservation: The case of the Honde Valley Bamboo Crafts Project, Zimbabwe

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.