Examining the role of community based tourism as a local economic development tool : the case of the Inanda Heritage Route.

Abstract

This dissertation examines the role of Community Based Tourism as a Local Economic Development tool. It sought to establish the impact of Local Economic Development (LED) strategies employed by the Inanda Ntuzuma KwaMashu Area Based Management program (INK ABM) in alleviating poverty in Inanda Township through their living Heritage Site. It attempts to establish whether Community Based Tourism has had an impact on the economic empowerment of communities residing within the Inanda Heritage Route. Poverty Social and Impact Assessment was used in the assessment. The study revealed that LED strategies have had a significant impact in improving infrastructure and service delivery at Inanda Township, however Local Economic Development strategies have had marginal impact in improving the income, assets indicators, human capabilities, market share and employment creation for the local residents of Inanda. Moreover the study revealed that there is a strong positive correlation between education levels and the lack of success of entrepreneurs. A major finding is that LED strategies along the Inanda Heritage Route do not target all the segments of the poor in a meaningful way. As such the study suggests a new LED agenda in Inanda Township which is: holistic, targets all the segments of the poor, encourages skills development and consists of various investment packages which would ensure that poverty in its multidimensionality is addressed meaningfully.