The Influence of Ecotourism for Sustainable Development: Case Study of Hola, Fafi and Malindi Districts, Kenya. Table of Contents

DECLARATION

APPROVAL ii

DEDICATION iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

ABSTRACT v

Table of Contents ix

LIST OF ACRONYMS xii

LIST OF TABLES AND DIAGRAMS xiv

CHAPTER ONE 1

Introduction and Background I

1.1 Key Characteristics of tourism in Kenya - A checklist 6

1.2 Problem Statement 6

1.3 Project Objectives 7

1.4 Research Questions 7

1.5 Scope of the study Area 7

1.6 Research Justification 8

CHAPTER TWO 10

LITERATURE REVIEW 10

2.1 Hola and Fafi Districts 10

2.2 Malindi District 12

CHAPTER THREE 13

Research Methods 13

3.1 Primary data 13

3.2 Secondary data 14

3.3 Data Analysis 14

CHAPTER FOUR 15

Data presentation and analysis 15

4.1 Literature Reviewed 15

4.].] Policies that Support Eco-tourism Development 18

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ABSTRACT This publication is based upon a field study undertaken in June - August 2011 on the assessment of the potential of ecotourism development as viable enterprises in Southern I-lola, Fafi and Malindi Districts. The international eco-tourism society defines eco-tourism as a responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and sustains the well-being of the local people. Eco-tourism conserves the natural environment and well-being of local people through responsible travel. This definition emphasizes more on the impact rather than the motives for eco-tourism development. The objectives of the study were; to assess institutional capacity in the establishment of ecotourism enterprises; to determine and map ecotourism infrastructure facilities; to survey potential /perceived impacts! risks and costs of eco-tourism on environmental quality, biodiversity conservation and socio-economic dynamics in the identified sites; to assess the potential for increased income generation from the proposed enterprises with view to asses visitor numbers and document current tourism earnings in the three districts and extrapolate eco tourism earnings for the next three years; The research adopted the following methodologies in its endeavors to collect data and compile this report; Administered questionnaires, conducted consultative meetings, focused group discussions, and collection of secondary data. The study area has a number of protected areas and upcoming community conservancies particularly in Fafi and Hola districts with the potential for increased eco-tourism earnings. The region is within the coastal tourism circuit with world heritage sites (Malindi) and Hola, which is the economic hub of North Eastern province with remarkable visitor number mainly from the international organizations, and the public sector. The proximity to Somalia provides unique opportunity for eco-tourism investments. Eco-tourism will create employments generate revenue for both private and public sector and will open up a formally neglected arid and semi-arid region of the north eastern and coastal areas of Kenya. Tourism is a major form of income generation that has potential around the ecosystems in Hola, Fafi and Malindi but the existing tourism arrangements in most parts of the country have not v been designed to benefit local communities, address the problem of poverty and augment conservation. The tourism industry has been structured to benefit large commercial operators, with local communities especially women groups receiving meager incomes. The study investigated and documented the potential for establishing Eco-tourism that can empower local communities The major attractions in the region are: o Scenic forest biodiversity of Boni, Witu and Dodori forest Kiunga Marine Park Community conservancies and animal sanctuaries such as Kipini, Bour Algi and Ishaqbini conservancies Abundant wildlife species including the endangered Hirola, the African Wild Dog and four of the Big Five in Kenya. The one, which has not being confirmed, is the rhino. o Rich Swahili culture in Malindi o World heritage sites in Malindi o The hidden treasures of the nomadic lifestyle of the Somali The traditional indigenous hunter and gatherer Boni community National Reserves such as the Arawale National Game Reserve and the Boni National Reserve o Numerous wetlands in forest ecosystems that is rich in fish o Hospital community that is ready to earn from ecotourism in traditional villages at Bothai, Bulla Golol, Hadhi, Dololo, Jalish, Basuba, Mangai etc o Malindi has the country’s best seafood’s available and catering is a coastal specialty. The sun, sea and sand are endless opportunities for adventure at the historic world heritage sites in Malindi and its associated Islands. The region has comparable attractions than the well-established tourism circuits in Kenya. There is therefore need to link it to the Coast tourism circuit and the newly proposed Northern Tourism Circuit so that communities can benefit from their conservation efforts. All the hotels surveyed in Fafi were established in the last five years while 50 % of the surveyed hotels in Hola were established in the last eight years. Most of the hotels in Malindi are old as they were established over 20 years ago. It can be inferred that the Hotel industry in Fafi and Hola is expanding having registered a growth rate of at least 15% annually while that of Malindi is estimated to be growing