Contribution of Community-Based Economic Activities to Sustainable Tourism Development in Busia County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: This study sought to articulate the role of community-based economic activities and its contribution to sustainable tourism development in Busia County, Kenya.  Materials and Methods:  The study used mixed method approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques where 429 respondents were sampled from the study population. The study adopted questionnaires and interviews for primary data collection. Statistical software, especially the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and NVivo were used in data analysis where the results were presented in form of descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The results of the study indicated that Community-Based Economic Activities (CBEAs) positively contributed to Sustainable Tourism Development (STD) in Busia County, Kenya. There was a statistically significant relationship between community-based economic activities and sustainable tourism development where (P=0.032<0.05). Therefore, development of more sustainable CBEAs emerged one of the strategies for tourism diversification, regional economic growth and sustainable tourism development in Busia County, Kenya. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study adopted Economic base theory and Network development theory, which directed the need for a collective approach for sustainable tourism development to be realized. By addressing the study objective, the study provided insights to researchers, policy-makers and key stakeholders encouraging diversification of tourism activities through the growth of community-based economic activities. The study recommended for the need by the government to development of all necessary infrastructures and proper policies that promote sustainable tourism development. In addition, there was need by the local communities to embrace community-based tourism by establishing more CBEAs through formation of community-based tourism enterprises (CBTEs) that would inspire the government and other donor organizations provide funds needed for economic growth and sustainable tourism development in Busia County, Kenya.