Ecotourism development potential in rural areas case of vihiga county in kenya ndenyele omalenge

‘Ecotourism Development Potential in Rural Areas: Case of Vihiga County in Kenya’ Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference, ESTC 15 27th-3oth April 2015 Quito, Ecuador NDENYELE OMALENGE &FATHIMA AZMIYA BADURDEEN Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya

ESTC 15

STRUCTURE OF PRESENTATION • • • • • •

Introduction The scope of the study Framework and methods The study Context The findings and discussion Conclusions and Recommendations

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Introduction • Ecotourism is relatively new concept with potential to growth as an alternative to mass tourism (Hogan 2011).

• Ecotourism Vs Mass tourism:(WTC,Quebec, May 19-22 2002) • Definition of Ecotourism:“Travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be low impact and (often) small scale. It helps educate the traveller, provides funds for conservation, directly benefits the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, and fosters respect for different cultures and for human rights”. (Martha Honey, 2008:3) • TIES:“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people

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Scope of the Study • Study: Vihiga County in Kenya, Emuhaya/Luanda, Vihiga/Sabatia and Hamisi sub-counties • Three months Project by the County Government of Vihiga • To manage and sustain natural resources • To manage resources based on Ecotourism concept Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya

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Framework and methods Future of Ecotourism: • Huge potential : 20% Annually, especially in rural areas(TIES) • Why study Ecotourism in VC • Area of not classified as Tourism area, Kenya Vision 2030protection and promotion of culture • Data: lit review, FGD, key informants

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The study Context: VC KNBS 2013 :  VC occupies a total area of 531.0 sq km, estimated population of 572,577 : Banyore, Maragoli and Tiriki  Highest pop density: 1044 per sq km  The Equator cuts across the southern part of the county  VC derives its name from the initial Vihiga district  Attitude: 1,300-1800 and slopping from West to East

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Findings and Discussion Major potential sites for ecotourism in VC Vihiga County is rich in unique cultures and heritage and we must find a way to package them through information and research... (Sande Mukuna, County cabinet secretary for tourism, July 2014)

 Luanda/Emuhaya: Wekhomo caves, Ebuhando/Ebusiekwe hills, Banyore cultural day  Sabatia/Vihiga: Maragoli hills and Jesus footprint  Hamisi: Kaimosi forest(Circumcision shrine for boys only); Church mission the oldest in Western part of Kenya

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Economic, political context of the potential sites  There have been no efforts of preserving our heritage sites because of politics and corruption(FGD)  Our indigenous forest(Maragoli forest) was destroyed by government official…he was transferred on promotion to another station … Now we do not receive our normal rains. ..Amugune Justus, 80 years old village elder, Madzuu village, July 2014)  We just see visitors come and visit the site…It does not benefit anyone(Interview)

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Pros and Cons of Ecotourism Ecotourism is double edged: (Greiner 2006, Ondicho 2012) Pros: Socio- economic development growth • Employment empowerment, political etc Cons of ecotourism: • Loss of identity and traditional culture • Destruction of the environment To mitigate the effects….plan for ecotourism(CeballosLascurain, 1996)

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Ecotourism in VC: Opportunities VC is rich in sites for ecotourism; Kenya government, has well elaborated plan on tourism and ecotourism (Kenya vision 2030:9)‌Subtitle on flagship projects on tourism‌ the niche products initiative- this will provide 3,000 beds in high cost accommodation for tourists interested in cultural and ecotourism, as well as water based sports and other related activities. It will initial target tour sites in Western Kenya BUT‌ There are is a need to image the area(Okech et 2012) The challenge we have is that our culture are not well document and Communities give little recognition to the historical sites and we to must sensitize them on their significance (Sande Mukuna, Cabinet secretary ministry of tourism) Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya

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Conclusions and recommendations • Tourism and ecotourism projects promoted by the government have a potential to bring development in the region but this should be aimed at the right kind of strategies that can make a difference for the communities living in the region. Development should be well planned with the participation of all communities of the region to prevent destruction of environment • Participation by ALL in ecotourism projects • Context specific information on ecotourism • Empowerment of local to participate in decision making on development projects

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ANY COMMENTS /QUESTIONS?

THANK YOU/ ASANTE SANA Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya

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