Rwanda is a landlocked country located in the Great Rift Valley of Central Africa. Known as the “land of a thousand hills,” it is renowned for its unique biodiversity and natural beauty, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination. However, despite making significant progress developmentally and economically since the 1994 Genocide, approximately 49% of Rwandans still live below the poverty line, with 92% of them living in rural areas.
This positions the nation as having one of the highest poverty rates in Africa. However, with tourism now the most significant and fastest-growing industry globally, the Rwandan government is turning to new ways to address poverty. Specifically, as part of substantial policies to promote tourism, such as its flagship “Visit Rwanda,” the government has sought to create jobs that protect the country’s biodiversity and simultaneously provide significant social and economic opportunities. This is known as Community-Based Tourism (CBT). While CBT can be effective, it has its issues.
What Is CBT and How Does It Alleviate Poverty?
To understand how Community-Based Tourism is relieving poverty in Rwanda, it is helpful to see how tourism benefits the country more broadly. For many developing countries like Rwanda, tourism is a great way to attract investment to create jobs, which, as of 2019, brought in an estimated $408 million and provided 142,000 workers with employment.
However, with most jobs in the tourism sector located in urban areas, without carefully targeted policies aimed at those living in rural areas, tourism benefits won’t effectively help reduce poverty. One solution to this problem, however, is CBT. CBT provides local communities with economic opportunities centered around their environment, culture and traditions. Not only does this reduce poverty, it is also intended to accommodate any contingent needs the community or individuals in the community might have. In countries like Rwanda, which are heavily dependent on the natural environment as an attraction for tourism, providing communities with economic opportunities that respect their traditions and the natural environment is vital.
What Are the Issues With CBT?
As pointed out by many scholars, a central facet that contributes to the success of Community-Based Tourism is the concept of community ownership and their effective engagement in the decision-making processes of these programs. Policies will build trust and improve service delivery by ensuring that communities are involved in decision-making. This enhances tourism’s economic benefits and provides vital knowledge on how tourism benefits vulnerable groups like women and children and looks after the environment.
For example, without effective community engagement, farmers may miss learning about new agricultural techniques and how they can benefit them. This might prevent them from improving their yields, generating a better income and sustaining the country’s natural biodiversity. CBT policies will then have little effect on reducing poverty and encouraging tourism.
What Is Being Done to Remedy These Issues in Rwanda?
In Rwanda, however, several organizations are operating to address these issues. Volcano’s National Park, one of many national parks, has nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working with the government. They aim to implement projects that ensure communities are effectively engaged in the decision-making process and to help communities fully reap the benefits of the tourism boom.
In particular, an African NGO, Red Rocks, has been active. It advocates not only for the Rwandan government to include local communities in decision-making processes but also for the implementation of training and skills development programs. These programs provide much-needed knowledge on building economic resilience while conserving the park’s precious natural resources. For example, one of its key pillars has been prioritizing youth and women’s programs that teach organic agricultural practices that reduce costs, increase yields and preserve biodiversity.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the success of these programs has been significant as livelihoods have been improved and communities have received resources that better fit their contingent needs. This issue is especially pertinent for traditionally marginalized groups like women and children. The park’s story, therefore, highlights the transformative potential of CBT when it functions as intended, underlining that it needs to be focused on people just as much as the environment.
Conclusion
Rwanda has done well in marketing itself as a global tourism destination. Policies that promote tourism need to remain people-focused, especially for those living in poverty. CBT schemes have been shown to work better when participating communities are fully incorporated in the decision-making process. This will allow the necessary resources to reach those who need it most.
– Cameron Mason
Photo: Flickr
Ukraine Promotes Human Welfare
In addition, the German Federal Foreign Office bases its actions on key humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. These principles emphasize the importance of aiding individuals based on their needs without influence from political, military, economic, or other agendas, ensuring assistance is purely humanitarian.
Engineering the Donation
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the German Federal Foreign Office and the Grain from Ukraine program all maintain political neutrality in their donation efforts. Above all, its primary goal is saving lives and alleviating suffering through humanitarian aid. These efforts aim to underscore the importance of foreign aid and advocacy from one nation to another, focusing on the critical need for continued support.
Data Determines Need
The IPC is a multi-partner program that works to improve food security and perform nutrition analysis. This program analyzes situations of need, adheres to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) process and shares data. Data from the IPC is then utilized by the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). The decision-makers like the IPC Acute Food Insecurity (AFI) and HRP use this information to address the situation of food insecurity.
Furthermore, the IPC uses five categories to identify areas of need: minimal/none, stressed, crisis, emergency and catastrophe/famine. The category designation guides decision-makers in prioritizing assistance and intervention efforts on global, regional, or national levels.
Improving Human Welfare
More than 25 million people in Sudan, South Sudan and Chad are facing a severe food security crisis. In Sudan alone, 5 million out of 18 million are experiencing emergency levels of hunger. In addition, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) reports that a shipment of 7,600 tonnes of wheat flour will provide a month’s sustenance for one million people. Arriving in Port Sudan, this wheat flour, distributed by WFP trucks, is crucial for families, especially during May’s “lean season” when food scarcity intensifies.
Moreover, Eddie Rowe became WFP’s Country Director for Sudan in March 2021, overseeing Emergency and Natural Disaster operations, including in Sudan. Rowe expressed, “This donation will enable WFP to support people whose lives have been completely upended. We are deeply grateful to Ukraine and Germany for supporting the Sudanese people in their greatest hour of need.”
Looking Forward
The Grain from Ukraine initiative, backed by the German Federal Foreign Office, is a beacon of hope for millions facing food insecurity in Sudan, South Sudan and Chad. Through collaborative international efforts, this program not only provides essential sustenance but also embodies the spirit of human welfare and solidarity across borders. The commitment to neutrality and impartiality ensures that aid reaches those most in need, free from external agendas.
Above all, as these endeavors progress, they highlight the crucial role of data-driven decision-making in addressing global hunger crises. The partnership between nations like Ukraine and Germany, alongside organizations such as the WFP, sets a precedent for future humanitarian collaborations. Looking ahead, the continued support and generosity of the international community remain vital in combating hunger and building a more secure, nourished world.
– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Flickr
Maternal Mortality in Burundi
Maternal Mortality in Burundi: Risks and Barriers
Out of 1,000 girls ages 15-19, only 54 of those girls gave birth in Burundi in 2021. Girls who give birth between 15-19 are at a much greater risk for postpartum hemorrhaging, poor fetal growth, eclampsia, severe preeclampsia and fetal distress. Moreover, some reasons girls get pregnant young are because of poor communities, adolescent illiteracy, early marriage and lack of knowledge of any contraceptive methods. Unfortunately, the high number of girls ages 15-19 giving birth in Burundi contributes to the high number of maternal deaths.
Furthermore, pregnant women who are infected with HIV are at an increased risk for stillbirths, preterm labor, bacterial pneumonia, abortion, low birth weight babies and urinary tract infections, all of which can lead to a high rate of maternal mortality in Burundi. Moreover, women do not have access to adequate birth and health centers, here are three main reasons why mothers lack access:
In addition, it can be very hard for mothers to get the care they need if they cannot afford it, cannot travel to it, or if health centers do not have trained health care workers. This leads to a higher maternal mortality rate in the nation.
3 Organizations Reducing Maternal Mortality in Burundi
Looking Forward
Burundi is making strides toward improving maternal health, thanks to the concerted efforts of organizations like UNICEF, Concern Worldwide USA and Pathfinder. Moreover, these groups are not only enhancing access to quality health care but are also empowering communities with the knowledge and resources to tackle maternal mortality head-on. Above all, as these initiatives continue to expand and evolve, there is a growing sense of optimism that Burundi can further reduce maternal mortality rates, paving the way for healthier futures for mothers and their children.
– Abby Trussell
Photo: Unsplash
Hydropower Plants Light Up Northern Pakistan’s Path Out of Poverty
Comprehensive Community-Led Development
AKRSP primarily focuses its efforts on rural regions of Pakistan, spanning provinces such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. It employs a comprehensive approach to community-led development and support projects in agriculture and food security, early childhood development, credit and savings, community infrastructure development and education. Moreover, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme commemorates 40 years of community-led development in Pakistan.
Sustainable Energy Solutions in Chitral
The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) has installed 148 micro-hydropower plants in Chitral, addressing the area’s significant electricity access challenges. These run-of-the-river systems, which do not require large reservoirs, harness the natural flow of rivers and lakes to generate sustainable energy. Moreover, water is diverted from rivers and channeled to turbines through penstocks and the movement of turbines generates electricity, distributing power to local communities and improving their access to basic needs. This initiative exemplifies a sustainable approach to enhancing rural electrification and living standards.
Local Empowerment and Global Recognition
Part of these installations is getting the local communities involved in running the plants and putting them in control of their own long-term prosperity and energy creation. Furthermore, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) received a global award for a sustainable rural electrification project in Pakistan and it plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation in Chitral, providing access to electricity for 49% of the population. In addition, AKRSP empowers local communities to engage in income-generating activities.
Social and Economic Benefits of Hydropower Plants
The School for International Training’s study highlighted the positive social and economic impacts of micro-hydropower plants. With the newfound electricity access, communities have seen behavioral changes through television viewing, leading to personal development improvements. Additionally, the switch to hydropower from kerosene has resulted in financial savings for families, enabling investment in new activities and business ventures and further catalyzing community growth and prosperity.
Hydropower Plants: Empowering Rural Communities
The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) stands as a testament to the power of community-driven and NGO-backed development can significantly uplift rural areas in Pakistan. Furthermore, by focusing on sustainable hydropower projects, AKRSP not only provides reliable energy but also encourages economic growth and environmental stewardship. Moreover, the initiative’s success highlights the importance of aligning development goals with community needs and aspirations.
In addition, as AKRSP moves forward, its model serves as a blueprint for similar endeavors globally, aiming to achieve sustainable progress and equity. Above all, through continued dedication to empowering rural communities, the organization is helping to illuminate the path toward a brighter, more sustainable future in Pakistan.
– Emily Shapiro
Photo: Unsplash
6 Global Health Achievements to Celebrate from 2023
6 Global Health Achievements to Celebrate
Looking Ahead
For many, 2023 was the year that started to feel like the world was no longer in the grips of a global pandemic. The first steps being made back to normality. As COVID-19 began to no longer be such a pressing concern, countries were able to turn their focus to tackling other diseases and health care concerns. Consequently, great global health achievements were seen last year. There is hope that with continued efforts and support, there may be many more advancements and milestones reached across the world in 2024.
– Rose Williams
Photo: Unsplash
How a USAID Program Is Protecting Fisheries in Ghana
Given this scenario, initiatives like the Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA) are instrumental in sustainably combating poverty in Ghana while safeguarding the fisheries crucial to the livelihoods of many.
Sustainable Fisheries Management for Poverty Alleviation
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds GFRA in partnership with the Ghanaian government. A five-year program launched in 2021 aims to mitigate the near collapse of Ghana’s small pelagic fisheries like sardines, mackerel and anchovies by establishing a foundation for their ecological recovery. Sustainably managing these fisheries and preventing overfishing is crucial for protecting marine ecosystem biodiversity. Similarly, maintaining a source of employment and food for coastal Ghanaian communities alleviates poverty.
Approach To Sustainable Fisheries Management
The USAID-funded program employs a diverse approach to sustainable fisheries management. Tetra Tech, an engineering and consulting firm, administers the program, which focuses on water, environmental conservation, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy and international development. It adopts a multifaceted strategy in eco-friendly fishing management.
Since the program’s inception, one measure implemented has supported establishing a Marine Protected Zone (MPA) in Ghanaian waters. This zone restricts fishing activities within its boundaries and is slated for establishment by the Ghanaian government by 2025. Additionally, the Government of Ghana has committed to mandating the monitoring of all fishing vessels. They ensure compliance with regulations and preserve the health and sustainability of these fisheries.
USAID Bolsters Funding for Ghana Fisheries Program
Amid the declining state of Ghana’s economy since the initiation of GFRA, USAID has taken proactive measures by injecting an additional $6 million in 2023 into the program. This initiative indicates a significant 33% increase, elevating the program’s budget from $17.8 million to $23.8 million. The increased financing has gone toward joint projects with the Ghanaian government and projects meant to diversify the economies of coastal communities away from fishing.
These programs aim to lessen Ghanaians’ excessive reliance on coastal fishing for subsistence, focusing on empowering women and youth. This strategic shift aims to enhance fisheries’ health and bolsters these communities’ economic resilience in adversity.
Moreover, GFRA funding extends to bolstering Ghanaian partners involved in the project. It includes support for organizations like Hεn Mpoano, a Ghanaian nonprofit dedicated to coastal regulation. The Centre for Coastal Management – Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (CCM-ACECoR) established a partnership to support ecological recovery at the University of Cape Coast. These partners will be pivotal in spearheading training programs and conducting research essential to the project’s success.
Conclusion
Collaborating organizations from the United States (U.S.) and Ghana are actively pursuing the GFRA’s mission to safeguard Ghana’s fisheries. They are focused on sustaining local communities nutritionally and economically in the long term. As this program persists amid Ghana’s enduring economic challenges, anticipation builds regarding its transformative impact on its economy, poverty rates and environmental well-being.
– Lyle Seeligson
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Addressing Sanitation in Overcrowded South Sudan Transit Centers
Escalation of the Humanitarian Crisis in South Sudan
Since its civil war, South Sudan has been an epicenter of humanitarian crises. Extreme violence and food insecurity have left an estimated number of 9.4 million civilians in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. Last year’s conflict in Sudan, which emerged in April, exacerbated existing problems, also encumbering overcrowded South Sudan transit centers. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported 920 violent incidents in three months in 2023, resulting in 405 deaths and more than 600 injuries and abductions. More than 300,000 refugees fled to South Sudan, encountering severe conditions in transit centers.
Overcrowded South Sudan Transit Centers
This crisis worsens the existing cholera challenges in overcrowded transit centers in South Sudan, with 1027 prior cases, prompting urgent calls for intervention to avert disease outbreaks. Currently, Renk’s transit centers, designed to accommodate 4,750 people, now house 15,000, with many more living in open areas without access to water or hygiene facilities. An Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report reveals that 46% of South Sudan’s population faces high levels of acute food insecurity, underscoring the critical need for increased international humanitarian funding.
In addition, Oxfam and its partners have successfully delivered clean water and adequate sanitation to more than 70,000 individuals within overcrowded South Sudan transit centers. However, 7 million dollars is needed to expand humanitarian operations, aiming to provide life-saving food, clean water and sanitation facilities to 400,000 people.
Declining International Funding and Its Impact
International efforts have introduced sanctions against South Sudan by the EU and the United Nations Security Council to address ongoing conflicts. Despite these measures, financial contributions to humanitarian aid have seen a significant decline since 2014. In 2024, funding for South Sudan’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan drastically fell to only 3.6% from 51% in 2023, with the EU being the largest donor, contributing 49.5 million Euros.
These funding cuts threaten the execution of critical humanitarian operations within the country. Moreover, Germany leads as the primary donor for South Sudan, contributing 26.2% of the total humanitarian funding reported. In contrast, the United States (U.S.) and Canada are among the lowest contributors, with the U.S. providing only $3,826,798.
Future Prospects for South Sudan Transit Centers
The critical situation in South Sudan’s transit centers underscores a growing need for international solidarity and increased humanitarian aid. Oxfam’s efforts, alongside those of its partners, are pivotal in mitigating the immediate threats of disease and providing necessary resources to those displaced by conflict.
Despite funding challenges, the global community’s commitment to supporting South Sudan can catalyze meaningful change and offer a lifeline to millions in need. The road to recovery is steep, but with sustained support and strategic interventions, there’s hope for a healthier, more secure future for South Sudan. Every contribution, big or small, plays an essential role in building resilience against the cascading effects of humanitarian crises, marking a path toward stability and well-being in the region.
– Naomi Ronner
Photo: Flickr
Hunger in Jamaica: Everything You Need to Know
Food crises disproportionately affect the poorest, who often resort to cheaper, less nutritious food options during such periods. This underscores the critical importance of ensuring food security, particularly for vulnerable segments of society like children. Failure to meet nutritional needs jeopardizes their physical health and impedes their ability to concentrate on academic pursuits. Jamaica, nestled in the Caribbean Sea, grapples with hunger as a pressing issue affecting its populace. According to findings by Food For The Poor (FFTP), a nonprofit organization, approximately 17.1% of the country’s population resides below the poverty line. More than 7% of children under the age of 5 endure stunting due to malnutrition, exacerbating the nation’s food insecurity.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Forbes article revealed that one in three survey respondents admitted to skipping meals or reducing food intake, with 1in 10 experiencing an entire day without sustenance. Additionally, global food prices have surged, partly attributed to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. As per the World Bank, Ukraine and Russia’s significant grain, oilseed and fertilizer production has led to supply shortages, resulting in price spikes for these commodities.
Food for the Poor
The intertwining of poverty and hunger underscores Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to seek support from various organizations dedicated to aiding impoverished families. Understanding hunger in Jamaica often hinges on the mission and focus of different organizations. FFTP is a prominent nonprofit that has been substantially impacted since its establishment in 1982. Jamaica holds the distinction of being the first country to receive assistance from this organization.
FFTP operates its office and warehouse complex in Spanish Town at the nexus of five highways spanning the island. Through its distribution centers, the organization provides life-saving food to approximately 350,000 Jamaicans each month, addressing the immediate needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Beyond food aid, FFTP endeavors to enhance the living conditions of numerous impoverished families by constructing homes island-wide. With an impressive track record, the organization has built 36,556 homes, addressing the pressing issue of homelessness in Jamaica.
Other Organizations Helping Jamaica and Political Actions
The World Food Program (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, extending its reach to the Caribbean to bolster food security efforts. Within the region, the WFP Caribbean endeavors to assist governments in developing mechanisms to connect local production with institutional markets, such as school meal programs and campaigns to stimulate demand for locally sourced food. Furthermore, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is steadfast in its commitment to reducing its food import expenditure to 25% by 2025, aligning with broader goals to eradicate hunger and malnutrition by 2030.
Jamaica, under the leadership of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has celebrated significant milestones toward achieving a more sustainable economy. Notably, the country has witnessed a nearly 50% reduction in its unemployment rate. Holness highlighted this achievement: “When we assumed office in 2016, the unemployment rate stood at 13.7%. Today, it hovers around 7%. This remarkable progress signifies greater employment opportunities and increased household income for individuals across diverse backgrounds.”
Vision 2030 Jamaica
Understanding hunger in Jamaica revolves around the willingness to embrace change and accept necessary assistance. By acknowledging the need for change and embracing support, Jamaica can progress towards aiding the most vulnerable families. Getting help should not be seen as a sign of weakness or surrender but rather as a determination to persevere. As Jamaica approaches 2030, its national vision statement envisions the country as the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business. This vision includes ensuring that poverty does not persist due to insufficient support and fostering sustained growth and development. Consequently, Jamaican families hold an optimistic and confident belief that they can achieve future food security for all.
– Nevin Guler
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Mental Health in Luxembourg
Mental Health and Happiness
According to the World Happiness Report, which conducts an extensive study into the mental well-being of people all across the globe, Luxembourg consistently ranks in the top 10 in average life evaluation and ranked 9th in 2023. Furthermore, according to the same report, Luxembourg ranks 9th again when it comes to happiness equality across the wealth spectrum. This is undoubtedly correlated with the numerous mental health resources available to the citizens, enabling them to properly care for and maintain a high level of mental health in Luxembourg.
Even though Luxembourg has a fantastic health care system in place, in a 2017 Eurostat report, 9.5% of the population reported experiencing chronic depression, which is above the 6.7% average of the group as a whole. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this, during which 37% of people between the ages of 18 and 44 reported declining mental health during the pandemic.
Therapy Access
In Luxembourg, the public health care system covers the cost of a therapist for anyone who is under the age of 18 and part of the social security system. The doctors can also prescribe therapy for up to 27 sessions. As for anyone older than 18, health care system reimburses for 70% of the total price. Finding a psychiatrist should be no issue, as Luxembourg has more than 20 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, which ranks it 8th in the EU.
Resources Available to Citizens
When it comes to governmental spending on health care, Luxembourg spends $6,436 per capita, which makes up about 5.8% of its total GDP and is the lowest in the European Union. Luxembourg primarily follows the WHO when it comes to procedures regarding mental health and has enacted many changes to destigmatize using the many mental health resources available to the people.
In conclusion, Luxembourg should be a guidebook for the rest of the world when it comes to mental health resources and how to address this issue. Its incredible health care system, the destigmatization of getting help, the large pool of mental health care professionals available and the ability for anyone to get the help they need have resulted in Luxembourg being one of the world leaders in combating mental health issues.
– Steven Gulkowitz
Photo: Unsplash
I Built 100 Water Wells: Borehole Wells in Africa
What Are the Benefits?
Africa is experiencing a water crisis. According to The Guardian, many humanitarian projects, including active water wells across rural Africa, have fallen into disrepair due to the lack of maintenance or care across the continent. Governments and other organizations have often installed water wells and projects without considering maintenance and care costs for year-round provision.
Borehole drilling offers an economical and environmentally friendly means of obtaining safe, high-quality drinking water throughout the year on the property where it’s installed. Essential for populated regions and business sites lacking access to clean water, boreholes ensure a reliable supply of pressure and quality drinking water.
With minimal cost and maintenance, this endeavor has proven helpful to developing nations like Cameroon and Uganda. This makes the initiative crucial to developing countries, who struggle with access to clean drinking water and water necessary for crop growth and development. Beast’s initiative will provide clean, naturally sourced drinking water for more than 500,000 people in developing African countries.
Going Forward
Beast’s venture has garnered global attention. While some commend his initiative, others have leveraged the project to highlight the perceived inadequacy of actions and legislation addressing the water crisis within African parliaments and governing bodies. In contrasting the actions of the influencer with those of the Kenyan Government, prominent activist Boniface Mwangi stated, “We are a shameful, horrible country, a begging nation that is governed by millionaires.”
While some have applauded the project, concerns about its long-term impact have been raised, particularly regarding maintenance and sustainability. Saran Kaba Jones, an activist and the CEO of Face Africa, an organization dedicated to enhancing water infrastructure in Africa, emphasized, “It’s one thing to install the well; it’s another to go back three, four or five years from now and see if that well is still functional.”
The most recurring problems with borehole drilling initiatives are maintenance and upkeep. Far too often, boreholes are drilled and left unattended for months or even years. The International Institute for Environment and Development states that the U.S. has invested more than $360 million in drilling and building wells that become non-functional or outright useless because of the lack of maintenance or repairs when they break.
In response to the criticism, Beast utilized social media platform X to reaffirm his project’s goal. Asserting his commitment to using his channel and influence to assist individuals and encourage his followers to do likewise, he remains undeterred by the criticism.
– Anthony Durham
Photo: Flickr
Community-Based Tourism Alleviating Poverty in Rwanda
This positions the nation as having one of the highest poverty rates in Africa. However, with tourism now the most significant and fastest-growing industry globally, the Rwandan government is turning to new ways to address poverty. Specifically, as part of substantial policies to promote tourism, such as its flagship “Visit Rwanda,” the government has sought to create jobs that protect the country’s biodiversity and simultaneously provide significant social and economic opportunities. This is known as Community-Based Tourism (CBT). While CBT can be effective, it has its issues.
What Is CBT and How Does It Alleviate Poverty?
To understand how Community-Based Tourism is relieving poverty in Rwanda, it is helpful to see how tourism benefits the country more broadly. For many developing countries like Rwanda, tourism is a great way to attract investment to create jobs, which, as of 2019, brought in an estimated $408 million and provided 142,000 workers with employment.
However, with most jobs in the tourism sector located in urban areas, without carefully targeted policies aimed at those living in rural areas, tourism benefits won’t effectively help reduce poverty. One solution to this problem, however, is CBT. CBT provides local communities with economic opportunities centered around their environment, culture and traditions. Not only does this reduce poverty, it is also intended to accommodate any contingent needs the community or individuals in the community might have. In countries like Rwanda, which are heavily dependent on the natural environment as an attraction for tourism, providing communities with economic opportunities that respect their traditions and the natural environment is vital.
What Are the Issues With CBT?
As pointed out by many scholars, a central facet that contributes to the success of Community-Based Tourism is the concept of community ownership and their effective engagement in the decision-making processes of these programs. Policies will build trust and improve service delivery by ensuring that communities are involved in decision-making. This enhances tourism’s economic benefits and provides vital knowledge on how tourism benefits vulnerable groups like women and children and looks after the environment.
For example, without effective community engagement, farmers may miss learning about new agricultural techniques and how they can benefit them. This might prevent them from improving their yields, generating a better income and sustaining the country’s natural biodiversity. CBT policies will then have little effect on reducing poverty and encouraging tourism.
What Is Being Done to Remedy These Issues in Rwanda?
In Rwanda, however, several organizations are operating to address these issues. Volcano’s National Park, one of many national parks, has nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working with the government. They aim to implement projects that ensure communities are effectively engaged in the decision-making process and to help communities fully reap the benefits of the tourism boom.
In particular, an African NGO, Red Rocks, has been active. It advocates not only for the Rwandan government to include local communities in decision-making processes but also for the implementation of training and skills development programs. These programs provide much-needed knowledge on building economic resilience while conserving the park’s precious natural resources. For example, one of its key pillars has been prioritizing youth and women’s programs that teach organic agricultural practices that reduce costs, increase yields and preserve biodiversity.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the success of these programs has been significant as livelihoods have been improved and communities have received resources that better fit their contingent needs. This issue is especially pertinent for traditionally marginalized groups like women and children. The park’s story, therefore, highlights the transformative potential of CBT when it functions as intended, underlining that it needs to be focused on people just as much as the environment.
Conclusion
Rwanda has done well in marketing itself as a global tourism destination. Policies that promote tourism need to remain people-focused, especially for those living in poverty. CBT schemes have been shown to work better when participating communities are fully incorporated in the decision-making process. This will allow the necessary resources to reach those who need it most.
– Cameron Mason
Photo: Flickr