Post on 18-Jan-2016
Training for Livelihoods in The Gambia
What impact did tourism training have on RT practices in nine rural communities in The
Gambia?
Anke Winchenbach Independent Sustainable Tourism and Events Consultant RTD8, April 2014
Context and issues
• ASSET and ITTOG main driver for capacity building
• Goals: Skill share and knowledge transfer to empower local communities
• ASSET expecting pro-active and responsible action post training
No funding for monitoring impact
Perceived success factors and barriers for RT development post training
Success factors Barriers
Access to tourist-philanthropy (personal and community)
Increased individual knowledge
- of costs and benefits of tourism
- through direct interaction with tourists
Irresponsible host attitude and behaviour due to a lack of RT awareness from peers and community members
Irresponsible tourist attitude and behaviour
Limited community benefits from tourism
Results & Findings
Power and empowerment Motivations for increasing tourism
knowledge differed Strategies for overcoming obstacles in
implementing RT measures differed Taking responsibility for irresponsible
tourist and/or host attitude and behaviour differed
Taking Responsibility
Factors influencing success post training
• Strategy to guarantee knowledge sharing post training
• Create networks, foster teamwork and co-operation• ‘To-do’ and ‘Can-do’ attitude• Innovation and creativity• Educating community and tourists• Encourage others to take responsibility• Focus on community rather than individual benefits• Set SMART targets and monitor progress
Lessons Learnt & Recommendations
• Ensure people are able to multiply knowledge and take positive action
• Ensure trainees are willing to multiply knowledge
• Ensure funds for monitoring training impact are included in funding application
Lessons Learnt & Recommendations cont.
• Consider holding training in, or implementing field visits to, communities that are committed to good practice
• Ensure understanding of RT in terms of community benefits and sustainability
• Increase educational community outreach programmes in rural tourism areas
Any questions? Thank you!
Anke Winchenbach Independent Sustainable Tourism and Events ConsultantAnke.winchenbach@outlook.comResearch available on www.propoortourism.info