The Realities of Ecotourism Development in Botswana - Responsible Tourism: Critical Issues for Conservation and Development - page 185

community tourism areas and selling their wildlife quotas to safari companies,
managing cultural tourism, marketing baskets and crafts, photographic tourism
and marketing reeds and grass (National CBNRM Forum, 2001).Trusts also sign
legal documents such as leases and contracts with safari companies, and maintain
a close contact with the trust lawyers. They also keep trust records, financial
accounts and reports, and present them to the general membership at the annual
general meetings (Mbaiwa, 2004a). Trusts therefore conduct and manage all the
affairs of the community on behalf of its members, who are generally people aged
18 years and above in the respective participating villages.
The level of social capital between communities differs. However, it can be
stated in general terms that the formation of Trusts and their ability to manage
ecotourism projects on behalf of their communities demonstrate the fact that the
establishment of ecotourism has increased the level of social capital in many
villages involved in ecotourism in Botswana. The formation of local institutions is
therefore a form of local empowerment where communities make decisions to
improve their livelihoods.

Employment creation in remote areas
The creation of employment opportunities is one of the key indicators of how
successful ecotourism can be in promoting rural livelihoods. Ecotourism has
increased employment figures in participating villages in different parts of
Botswana. According to Schuster (2007), in 2006, there were more than 8000
local people employed in a wide range of ecotourism projects and activities in
Botswana (Table 9.1).
In Botswana terms, an employment estimate of 8000 people in ecotourism
projects represents a substantial number of people. This is because most of the
ecotourism projects are carried out in remote parts of Botswana where there are
no industrial or manufacturing sectors to create employment opportunities for
local people. As a result, the development of ecotourism in Botswana can be
described as one of the tools used to improve rural livelihoods and rural develop-
ment.

Table 9.1 Employment in ecotourism projects and activities

Activity Employment

Trophy hunting 560

Photographic and cultural tourism 420

Veld production (e.g. basket selling) At least 3100

Crafts e.g. wood carving At least 4000

Total At least 8800

Source: Schuster, 2007