BY STEVE EPHRAEM
Rural communities in Zimbabwe face numerous challenges, including unemployment, environmental degradation, and social cohesion issues. Despite these challenges, community-based tourism (CBT) has emerged as a potential solution to address these problems and transform rural communities.
CBT involves local communities in the development and management of tourism initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably among community members. This approach can:
Agriculture is the main source of income in rural areas, but unpredictable rainfall patterns due to climate change have made it challenging for communities to rely solely on agriculture. CBT can provide a sound economic activity throughout the year, helping communities to adapt to climate change.
The concept of CBT empowers communities by giving them ownership of their natural resources. This approach encourages communities to protect and conserve their resources, rather than over-exploiting or poaching them.
The inaugural community-based research conference held in Buhera, Zimbabwe, from March 26-29, 2025, showcased the potential of CBT. The conference, organised by the Office of the President & Cabinet in Manicaland in collaboration with Integral Kumusha, Heritage Haven, and Buhera Development Forum, brought together academic institutions, government officials, and community members to discuss the role of CBT in promoting resilient communities.
It ran under the theme “Resilient communities: Navigating climate change challenges through tourism innovations in rural communities.” The event was graced by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Adv Misheck Mugadza
Speaking on the conference, co-director of Heritage Haven, Shingirirai Zisengwe said, “The aim of this conference is enabling communities to benefit from selling commodities, hosting tourists in their homes, providing entertainment and also catering.”
The Buhera experience is a clear testimony that with careful planning and implementation, CBT can play a pivotal role in promoting economic growth, social development, and environmental conservation in rural Zimbabwe.
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