socio-economic research on manda wilderness, lago district, niassa ...

4.2 Impacts on Rural Livelihoods
4.2.1 Sustainable Livelihoods Perspective
A simplified livelihoods framework contrasts with conventional tourism perspectives which tend to focus
exclusively on <strong>economic</strong>, commercial or environmental impacts. It also contrasts with narrow
assessment of local benefits focusing on job creation and cash income. Taking a livelihoods
perspective helps identify the wide range of impacts – direct and indirect, positive and negative – that
matter to local people. Recognising livelihood concerns is important to ensure planning by ASL and
Manda Wilderness is responsive to local needs. Research into tourism impacts on rural livelihoods in
Namibia (Ashley 2000) has demonstrated that:
� The development impact of tourism is not uniform and it will vary within and between communities;
� �Enhancing the livelihood impacts of tourism does not mean simply maximising the number of
tourism developments or maximising wage income;
� �A wide range of costs and benefits need to be taken into account. In particular, it is as important to
address negative impacts (as to maximise positive ones) and address impacts on people’s assets
and existing activities, not just direct contributions to household income and security;
� �Careful planning and design, based on an understanding of local livelihoods, can greatly enhance
the positive impacts of tourism;
� Maximising livelihood benefits needs a good understanding of what people most need and want
(their priorities) and the complex ways in which tourism impacts livelihoods directly and indirectly.
Using this approach, the impacts of tourism can considered in terms of effects on household assets,
activities and strategies, household needs, the external policy environment and people’s capacity to
influence external forces.
4.2.2 Impact on Assets
Poverty assessments and participatory work with rural communities highlight the great importance of
people’s assets and not just their income, in securing their livelihoods. This importance was reflected in
villagers’ attitudes to the pilot lodge and proposed conservation area. The main impacts on five
different types of capital are presented below (Table 9).
Table 9 Impacts of on People’s Assets
Negatives Positives
Financial assets Long term: possible equity in MWL
Physical assets Tourism earnings invested
e.g. small enterprises, iron sheet roofs
Human resources Training, skill development
Natural resources Increased competition
Lost access to exclusive tourism and
conservation areas
Conflicts with neighbours
Social capital Local conflicts over tourism and
conservation
Enhanced collective management
Incentive to work together
Stronger social organisation
Increased external links and influence
The financial assets of local communities could be boosted in the longer term by purchase of equity in
the lodge although discussions regarding this are in their infancy. Physical assets have been increased
as several employees are investing their earnings in small enterprise development. For example, the
tailor and boat operator at the lodge has built a shop and bar and two guest managers have invested in
a backpackers in Mbueca village. It is likely that other staff also invest in house improvements.
There are extremely limited options for adult training in the Manda Wilderness area and it was
surprising that the development of skills through the lodge was mentioned only by a few interviewees.
In order to use local labour, the lodge has had to invest in training. Most training is done by European
volunteers. By training employees, MW hopes its staff will stay in the area. MW is also attempting to
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