Desires of Community Participation in Tourism Development Decision Making Process: A Case Study of Barabarani, Mto Wa Mbu, Tanzania

Abstract

Over the last decade, tourism in Tanzania has recorded significant growth, with the industry's contribution to the country's steadily growing GDP. However, poverty and unemployment rate in the country is still very high, which raises questions regarding local community participation in decision making. Participation in the decision-making process is a crucial determinant in ensuring that the benefits accrued by local communities from tourism are guaranteed, and that their lifestyles and values are respected. This paper examines the nature of community participation expected by local people in tourism development decision-making process in Tanzania using a case study of Barabarani village, Mto wa Mbu, Arusha. The paper incorporates a questionnaire in a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) approach in data collection. The findings showed that local people, regardless of the location they came from, their gender, occupation, and education, wish to have a voice and actively take part in the decision-making process, to ensure that their needs, priorities and interests are well considered when decisions about tourism development are made in their areas. The paper contributes to the wider scientific discussion on community participation in tourism industry, and uncovers vital infor-mation for tourism managers, planners, policy makers and academicians.