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

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perceptions of individual community members on a range of issues that were significant for the research. b) Misunderstandings and misconceptions In several instances the community expressed opinions based on incorrect information and/or perceptions. These are reflected in assumptions that were made about the 'Shewula Game Reserve' and about the study team. The use of the term 'Shewula Game Reserve' generated certain expectations regarding the presence of wildlife and types of tourist activities that were and/or are not really expected, planned or appropriate. Some of the community members held erroneous perceptions about the study team. This was especially the case regarding the role and function of UCT researchers. Some community members misunderstood the aims and intentions of the study, although these were explained at the first formal group meeting, held in Shewula on 12 February 1999. 1.6.2. Strengths: Or Mitigation against limitations Potential pitfalls that were to be avoided during the research process were identified prior to and during the fieldwork period. These included the impact of the research process itself, unreliable translation, and the possibility that individuals and/or groups with hidden agendas could manipulate the research process. During the research certain actions were therefore taken in order to minimise the possibility that these occurred. 1.6.2.1. Limiting the impact of the research process In order to guard against the possible impacts of the study on the social organisation and authority structures in the community, the following steps were taken: • It was emphasised to the general community that the study team respected the existing social and political organisational practices in Shewula. The study team also followed the standard procedures for community meetings and aimed at all times to obtain the necessary approval from the relevant authorities before undertaking activities in the community. The study team also observed the socially defined differentiation's in gender-specific behaviour, when invited into the homes of community residents, or when attending their public meetings. • Issues that arose during discussions with the community that were unrelated to the topic under discussion but influenced responses to these topics were noted and then set aside with the assurance that they would be passed on to the relevant parties for them to address. • The study team worked closely with representatives from the traditional leadership as well as members from the general community. 1.6.2.2. Improving the reliability of translation The use of translators was essential during the fieldwork in the community, and there were problems associated with translation, such as the possibility of misinterpretation and a lack of trust influencing responses. However, the following characteristics of
the translation that occurred during the fieldwork can be seen as mitigation against these problems: • The translators involved in the research process were usually Shewula community members. There were occasions when the translators were Swazi nationals, originally from elsewhere in Swaziland, but are now intimately involved with local initiatives in the Shewula area. All of the translators were well acquainted with the community and in most cases were familiar to the audiences. • In most instances there appeared to be a relationship of trust between the community and translators. In addition, there were usually a significant number of people, at each of the meetings held, who were bilingual and who acted as a check on the quality of interpretation. The researchers liased extensively with individuals who understood both languages, to clarify and double-check information. • Actions taken by English speaking study team members, to avoid or mitigate the negative impact of the language barrier on the research included attempting to learn the language, and using seSwati greetings and key words in interactions with local residents. This was also intended to help overcome the exclusionary 'usthem' distinction, a dichotomy that has the potential to impact the research process. 1.6.2.3. Being aware of possible hidden agendas of community members The study team was well aware that those members who participated in the research process and/or attended meetings, as well as those who originally began the initiative, could have an alternative agenda. Examples include political agendas, personal gain and social status. To avoid giving such agendas too much scope, the study team involved as many people as possible, encouraged critical analysis of comments and people's motives, and created opportunities for debate between different parties.
Page 1 and 2: A Feasibility Study of the Proposed
Page 3 and 4: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would
Page 5 and 6: 2.3. Biophysical Context ..........
Page 7 and 8: 6.1.4. Conclusions ................
Page 9 and 10: Box 9.1 Figure 6.1. Consideration o
Page 11 and 12: LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
Page 13: Executive Summary INTRODUCTION The
Page 16 and 17: Executive Summary The findings of t
Page 18 and 19: Executive Summary Positive aspects:
Page 20 and 21: Executive Summary • Tourism input
Page 22 and 23: Chapter 1 - Introduction This chapt
Page 30 and 31: Chapter 1 - Introduction 1.1.2. Des
Page 32 and 33: Chapter 1 - Introduction Objective
Page 34 and 35: Chapter 1 - Introduction It has bec
Page 36 and 37: Chapter 1 - Introduction • Local
Page 38 and 39: Chapter 1 - Introduction Sustainabl
Page 40 and 41: Chapter 1 - Introduction 1.4.2.2. G
Page 42: Chapter 1 - Introduction A particip
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Page 51: inevitably lost. In some instances,
Page 55 and 56: 2.1. INTRODUCTION This chapter prov
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Page 63 and 64: Although the reserve is relatively
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Page 67 and 68: parks and reserves. As SNTC oversee
Page 69 and 70: 2.4.3.4. British Council The Britis
Page 71 and 72: 2.4.4.3. Economic support structure
Page 73 and 74: One of the transfrontier initiative
Page 75 and 76: The iNcwala or 'first fruits' cerem
Page 77 and 78: These political changes have eroded
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Page 84 and 85: Chapter 3 - An Initial Assessment o
Page 86: 3.5. RECOMMENDATIONS The recommenda
Page 89: 4.2.2. Positive reactions At two of
Page 92: 4.4. PROBLEMS This section presents
Page 95 and 96: and therefore how the benefits to t
Page 97 and 98: c) Re-establishment of game The bel
Page 99 and 100: ) Indirect income generation Sugges
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4.6.2. Requirements for successful
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Chapter 4 - Socio-Cultural Findings
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4.8.1.4. Schools • Schools need t
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iome of these assumptions will have
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Chapter 4 ■ Socio-Cultural Findin
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Chapter 5 - Environmental Evaluatio
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Chapter 6 - Tourism, Marketing and
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The following model was formulated
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Chapter 7 - Conclusions 7.1. INTROD
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Chapter 7 - Conclusions 7.1.3.2. Po
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Chapter 7 - Conclusions and well-be
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Chapter 8 • Recommendations shoul
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Chapter 8 - Recommendations 8.2.4.
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Chapter 9 - The Way Forward proposa
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Chapter 9 - The Way Forward Notes o
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Chapter 9 - The Way Forward communi
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References Obua, J. 1997: The Poten
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The four questions that the study t
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3. Requirements The resources that
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Outreach programme at Mlawula could
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If the tourism development site wer
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