Feasibility Study of Proposed Tourism Dev in Shewula, NE ...

Chapter 1 - Introduction
This chapter sets the scene for the study. It also includes the terms of reference for
the study, and defines the aims and objectives of the research. It includes a
discussion of the conceptual framework that informed the study and the assumptions,
on which the feasibility assessments are based. The research approach and
methodology are then described, followed by a discussion of the limitations of the
study.
1.1. BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
1.1.1. Introduction
The Shewula community is located in the north-eastern corner of Swaziland, on the
Lubombo mountains (see Maps 1 & 4). Together with a number of other interested
parties, the community has been involved in a process of establishing the Lubombo
Conservancy (see Map 3). The Conservancy, which was finally launched on 29 April
1999, includes a number of properties and is intended to facilitate the cooperative
management of a number of contiguous, but separately managed conservation areas
in the area. The Conservancy includes a portion of community land, called the
Shewula Game Reserve. Members from the Shewula Game Reserve Trust signed the
Lubombo Conservancy Constitution on behalf of the Shewula community. The
formation of the Lubombo Conservancy is a step towards the creation of a larger,
transboundary conservation area, the Maputaland TFCA (See Map 2).
In conjunction with the establishment of a nature reserve on the land of the Shewula
people, there was also an initiative to establish a community-owned tourism
development. The initial intention was to construct accommodation facilities for tourists
within the Shewula Game Reserve. It was intended that these facilities, which were
referred to as a 'lodge', were to be 'traditional' in nature, so that they would offer
guests an unique experience. The aim was to create an opportunity for tourists to
experience the rich natural history and traditional Swazi culture that is part of the
Shewula community and the Shewula area.
In November 1998, an application was made to the British Council, under its Poverty
Alleviation Programme, for funding for the project. The funding was granted. Funds
have also been made available by a number of other NGOs for skills training and
capacity-building. The aim is to equip the community to function effectively as a
partner in association with other role-players in the Conservancy, and to manage the
proposed tourism development in a financially feasible and environmentally
sustainable manner.
This report is the product of a study that was originally intended to be a feasibility
study of the proposed development. The study was initiated to establish the
environmental and financial feasibility of the project and to identify the requirements
for effective and focused capacity building in the community. It also included a
sociological assessment study that investigated community expectations with regard
to the Conservancy and the tourism development, and a component that focused on
the community's development needs and priorities.
The project and the study are part of a larger initiative to ensure the successful
preservation and sustainable utilisation of valuable biophysical and wildlife resources,
and as well as to protect and enhance the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the
area. The study was seen as part of Phase 1 of the proposed project, with the
implementation of recommendations to ensure feasibility and capacity building taking
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