Community Perceptions On Cultural Landscape As Tourist Attraction: A Case Of Gullies In Kondoa District Central Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at investigating community perceptions on cultural landscape as tourist attraction in Kondoa District, Central Tanzania. Specific objectives of the study included to examine the use and non-use value of gullies in Kondoa district; to examine community willingness to accept (WTA) for change to conserve gullies for tourism purpose; and to assess community willingness to pay (WTP) for visiting gullies. The study employed a case research design using descriptive research design. Three villages that is Bolisa, Haubi and Kolo with high concentration of gullies were selected. Data were collected through several methods that is survey, structured interview, focus group discussion and direct field observation. Both qualitative and quantitative data obtained from the field were processed by SPSS and analyzed by using content analysis, logistic regression modal and Chi-square techniques. Research findings indicate that 82% of households use gullies for different purposes such as sand collection, water for domestic uses, local recreation purposes tourist and rituals practices. Moreover 97% of the households are willing to accept (WTA) for change to conserve gullies for tourism purposes since through conservation they expect to rise their living standard. Also the households are willing to incur cost of travelling by paying (WTP) for transport in relation to education level and contribution of gullies to their livelihood since that respondents with primary education(x 2 =7.7027,P=0.0055, AOR=8.43) were more likely to be willing to incur cost of travelling to the site compared to those with no formal education. Moreover respondents who reported that gullies have moderate contribution to their livelihood and high contribution(x2 =5.2527,P=0.0214,AOR=9.63).