How to cite this article: Harris WE, de Kort SR, Bettridge CM, et al. A learning network approach... more How to cite this article: Harris WE, de Kort SR, Bettridge CM, et al. A learning network approach to resolve conservation challenges in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
This thesis explores how the notion of responsible business practice unfolds in a developing coun... more This thesis explores how the notion of responsible business practice unfolds in a developing country context, Tanzania. The research provides important insights into how the socio-cultural environment shapes the uptake and focus of responsible practices of both foreign and local tourism companies in Tanzania. Through semi-structured interviews with 40 tourism company managers as well as content analysis of company homepages, the study: (1) Provides interpretations and meanings of Corporate Social responsibility (CSR); (2) Determines how tourism businesses employ CSR in their activities; and (3) Examines the rationale for CSR engagement (or not) from the perspectives of both foreign and locally owned tourism businesses in Tanzania. To address these objectives, the study findings are presented and analysed through the lens of institutional theory. The findings suggest that the participants are not only familiar with what constitutes socially responsible practices but are indeed engaging in some sort of CSR initiatives. According to the findings a responsible business is described based on its activities/actions as well as its values/virtues of integrity, benevolence, communalism, humanity and transparency. While for foreign owned companies, CSR initiatives such as environmental and working conditions of employees rank highly, community initiatives such as education is the main focus of the locally owned companies. Based on the findings, the focus on socio-economic issues mirrors the challenges facing many Tanzanian communities including poverty, poor health care and access to education. Reasons for engaging in CSR initiatives include maintaining social legitimacy, meeting community expectations/interdependence, attracting customers (tourists) as well as reflecting the personal values of managers. The study identifies a number of barriers to engagement with responsible practices including: conflict with local communities over resource use (land); lack of cooperation from stakeholders; mismanagement of community initiatives; and a regulatory regime that is discouraging for many tourism businesses (e.g. a punitive and unclear tax regime). In general terms, the study brings to light the importance of understanding and appreciating the values of local context as a critical factor for understanding how and why businesses adopt CSR activities. In particular, the study suggests that if CSR initiatives are to be legitimate, meaningful, and sustainable to local communities and the environment, companies need to allow the local institutional and socioeconomic factors to shape their CSR initiatives. The study contributes to the literature on sustainable tourism and CSR practice, especially as it relates to developing countries, a context in which the operationalisation of CSR is relatively under-explored. The study also offers some practical and policy-related suggestions for enhancing CSR practices in developing country contexts, including the need for the enactment of appropriate laws and policies that encourage, sensitize, enable and oblige tourism businesses to critically acknowledge the importance of engaging in responsible practices
With particular reference to the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, this chapter prov... more With particular reference to the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, this chapter provides an overview of activities involved in preparing students for careers in protected areas through fieldwork. A sample of 87 students in the diploma program consented to participate and complete a survey at the return of their solo and plain expeditions to Mount Kilimanjaro. The study results reveal that through fieldwork activities during their expedition, students acquire hands-on experience in aspects of nature conservation. In addition, wilderness training promotes the students’ appreciation and understanding of the wilderness area systems while instilling confidence in leadership capacity development. This study at Mweka College reveals that necessary resources can be harnessed to provide these supportive experiences for students.
AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 2020
The purpose of this study was to examine the particular reasons why the Maasai ecosystem is home ... more The purpose of this study was to examine the particular reasons why the Maasai ecosystem is home to the spectacular assemblages of the remaining African terrestrial wildlife populations. We highlight how the adherence to locally devised rules, values, and practices play an important role in the management and conservation of land resources particularly wildlife resources. This article indicates that despite the external pressures to dismantle Maasai ecological strategies and practices through imported religions, Western-oriented education, constraining policies, and the cumulative loss of land, the community has continued to maintain significant practices for the conservation of Tanzania’s wildlife ecosystems and livestock. The article extends the overall argument that indigenous practices are central to a continued nurturing of biodiversity conservation.
ABSTRACT This paper reports on research undertaken in the tourism sector in Tanzania, the goals o... more ABSTRACT This paper reports on research undertaken in the tourism sector in Tanzania, the goals of which were to document and interpret corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices within an African setting, and to explore the ways in which foreign and local tourism businesses employ responsible practices. Qualitative interviews with 40 tourism company (guiding and accommodation) managers were thematically analysed, and considered along with a data from a content analysis of the companies’ homepages to examine CSR practices. The findings suggest that most tourism businesses are not only familiar with what constitutes a responsible business but are undertaking some sort of responsible business initiatives. According to tourism managers a responsible business is defined not only by its activities/actions but its values/virtues of integrity, benevolence, communalism, humanity and transparency. However, foreign owned companies differed from local companies in the focus of their CSR initiatives, primarily addressing environmental concerns and working conditions of employees, while community initiatives and education were the main foci of locally owned companies. The study contributes to our understanding of CSR in tourism in developing countries, particularly in terms of how CSR is conceptualized, what factors underlie engagement with CSR, and how it is practiced.
Abstract Tour guides are recognized key players in the tourism industry. However, existing resear... more Abstract Tour guides are recognized key players in the tourism industry. However, existing research on the tour guiding is unevenly distributed and Africa is notably underrepresented. This paper examines issues related to the labour conditions experienced by tour guides, particularly safari guides in Arusha, Tanzania. Thematic analysis was utilized to evaluate the content of the semi-structured interviews conducted with safari guides and a wide range of other tourism stakeholders located in Arusha, Tanzania. The findings indicate inadequate working conditions endured by safari guides. The tourism industry in Tanzania needs to incorporate labour rights standards within its core business practices in order to positively contribute to human capacity building, guest/provider relationships, and future sectorial growth.
Background The Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma has set the target for eliminating... more Background The Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma has set the target for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem by 2020. However, challenges remain, including sociocultural issues. Districts in Northern Tanzania, predominantly inhabited by the Maasai ethnic group, remain endemic for trachoma. We explored socio-cultural factors that may impact the elimination of trachoma. Methods/Findings This study was nested within a larger ethnographic study of trachoma among Maasai in Northern Tanzania. We used stratified random sampling and semi-structured interviews to examine knowledge and understanding. Interviews were conducted and recorded in Maa, by a native Maa speaking trained interviewer. Transcripts were translated into English. A framework method for a content analysis was used. There was awareness of trachoma and basic symptoms. Yet understanding of etiology and prevention was poor. Trachoma was attributed to pollen, dust, and smoke. Water was recognized as beneficial, but seen as treatment and not prevention. Traditional medicines were most often used for treating conjunctival inflammation, with the most common being a rough leaf used to scratch the inside of the eyelid until it bleeds. Knowledge of mass drug administration (MDA) was inconsistent, although many thought it helped the community, but it was perceived as only for children and the sick. Many participants reported not taking azithromycin and some had no recollection of MDA six months earlier. There was little connection between childhood infection, trichiasis and related blindness. Trichiasis was often seen as a problem of old women, and treated locally by epilation. Conclusion/Significance Understanding indigenous knowledge may help guide control programs, tailor them to local contexts, address local beliefs and dispel misunderstandings. There is an essential need to
How to cite this article: Harris WE, de Kort SR, Bettridge CM, et al. A learning network approach... more How to cite this article: Harris WE, de Kort SR, Bettridge CM, et al. A learning network approach to resolve conservation challenges in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
This thesis explores how the notion of responsible business practice unfolds in a developing coun... more This thesis explores how the notion of responsible business practice unfolds in a developing country context, Tanzania. The research provides important insights into how the socio-cultural environment shapes the uptake and focus of responsible practices of both foreign and local tourism companies in Tanzania. Through semi-structured interviews with 40 tourism company managers as well as content analysis of company homepages, the study: (1) Provides interpretations and meanings of Corporate Social responsibility (CSR); (2) Determines how tourism businesses employ CSR in their activities; and (3) Examines the rationale for CSR engagement (or not) from the perspectives of both foreign and locally owned tourism businesses in Tanzania. To address these objectives, the study findings are presented and analysed through the lens of institutional theory. The findings suggest that the participants are not only familiar with what constitutes socially responsible practices but are indeed engaging in some sort of CSR initiatives. According to the findings a responsible business is described based on its activities/actions as well as its values/virtues of integrity, benevolence, communalism, humanity and transparency. While for foreign owned companies, CSR initiatives such as environmental and working conditions of employees rank highly, community initiatives such as education is the main focus of the locally owned companies. Based on the findings, the focus on socio-economic issues mirrors the challenges facing many Tanzanian communities including poverty, poor health care and access to education. Reasons for engaging in CSR initiatives include maintaining social legitimacy, meeting community expectations/interdependence, attracting customers (tourists) as well as reflecting the personal values of managers. The study identifies a number of barriers to engagement with responsible practices including: conflict with local communities over resource use (land); lack of cooperation from stakeholders; mismanagement of community initiatives; and a regulatory regime that is discouraging for many tourism businesses (e.g. a punitive and unclear tax regime). In general terms, the study brings to light the importance of understanding and appreciating the values of local context as a critical factor for understanding how and why businesses adopt CSR activities. In particular, the study suggests that if CSR initiatives are to be legitimate, meaningful, and sustainable to local communities and the environment, companies need to allow the local institutional and socioeconomic factors to shape their CSR initiatives. The study contributes to the literature on sustainable tourism and CSR practice, especially as it relates to developing countries, a context in which the operationalisation of CSR is relatively under-explored. The study also offers some practical and policy-related suggestions for enhancing CSR practices in developing country contexts, including the need for the enactment of appropriate laws and policies that encourage, sensitize, enable and oblige tourism businesses to critically acknowledge the importance of engaging in responsible practices
With particular reference to the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, this chapter prov... more With particular reference to the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, this chapter provides an overview of activities involved in preparing students for careers in protected areas through fieldwork. A sample of 87 students in the diploma program consented to participate and complete a survey at the return of their solo and plain expeditions to Mount Kilimanjaro. The study results reveal that through fieldwork activities during their expedition, students acquire hands-on experience in aspects of nature conservation. In addition, wilderness training promotes the students’ appreciation and understanding of the wilderness area systems while instilling confidence in leadership capacity development. This study at Mweka College reveals that necessary resources can be harnessed to provide these supportive experiences for students.
AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 2020
The purpose of this study was to examine the particular reasons why the Maasai ecosystem is home ... more The purpose of this study was to examine the particular reasons why the Maasai ecosystem is home to the spectacular assemblages of the remaining African terrestrial wildlife populations. We highlight how the adherence to locally devised rules, values, and practices play an important role in the management and conservation of land resources particularly wildlife resources. This article indicates that despite the external pressures to dismantle Maasai ecological strategies and practices through imported religions, Western-oriented education, constraining policies, and the cumulative loss of land, the community has continued to maintain significant practices for the conservation of Tanzania’s wildlife ecosystems and livestock. The article extends the overall argument that indigenous practices are central to a continued nurturing of biodiversity conservation.
ABSTRACT This paper reports on research undertaken in the tourism sector in Tanzania, the goals o... more ABSTRACT This paper reports on research undertaken in the tourism sector in Tanzania, the goals of which were to document and interpret corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices within an African setting, and to explore the ways in which foreign and local tourism businesses employ responsible practices. Qualitative interviews with 40 tourism company (guiding and accommodation) managers were thematically analysed, and considered along with a data from a content analysis of the companies’ homepages to examine CSR practices. The findings suggest that most tourism businesses are not only familiar with what constitutes a responsible business but are undertaking some sort of responsible business initiatives. According to tourism managers a responsible business is defined not only by its activities/actions but its values/virtues of integrity, benevolence, communalism, humanity and transparency. However, foreign owned companies differed from local companies in the focus of their CSR initiatives, primarily addressing environmental concerns and working conditions of employees, while community initiatives and education were the main foci of locally owned companies. The study contributes to our understanding of CSR in tourism in developing countries, particularly in terms of how CSR is conceptualized, what factors underlie engagement with CSR, and how it is practiced.
Abstract Tour guides are recognized key players in the tourism industry. However, existing resear... more Abstract Tour guides are recognized key players in the tourism industry. However, existing research on the tour guiding is unevenly distributed and Africa is notably underrepresented. This paper examines issues related to the labour conditions experienced by tour guides, particularly safari guides in Arusha, Tanzania. Thematic analysis was utilized to evaluate the content of the semi-structured interviews conducted with safari guides and a wide range of other tourism stakeholders located in Arusha, Tanzania. The findings indicate inadequate working conditions endured by safari guides. The tourism industry in Tanzania needs to incorporate labour rights standards within its core business practices in order to positively contribute to human capacity building, guest/provider relationships, and future sectorial growth.
Background The Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma has set the target for eliminating... more Background The Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma has set the target for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem by 2020. However, challenges remain, including sociocultural issues. Districts in Northern Tanzania, predominantly inhabited by the Maasai ethnic group, remain endemic for trachoma. We explored socio-cultural factors that may impact the elimination of trachoma. Methods/Findings This study was nested within a larger ethnographic study of trachoma among Maasai in Northern Tanzania. We used stratified random sampling and semi-structured interviews to examine knowledge and understanding. Interviews were conducted and recorded in Maa, by a native Maa speaking trained interviewer. Transcripts were translated into English. A framework method for a content analysis was used. There was awareness of trachoma and basic symptoms. Yet understanding of etiology and prevention was poor. Trachoma was attributed to pollen, dust, and smoke. Water was recognized as beneficial, but seen as treatment and not prevention. Traditional medicines were most often used for treating conjunctival inflammation, with the most common being a rough leaf used to scratch the inside of the eyelid until it bleeds. Knowledge of mass drug administration (MDA) was inconsistent, although many thought it helped the community, but it was perceived as only for children and the sick. Many participants reported not taking azithromycin and some had no recollection of MDA six months earlier. There was little connection between childhood infection, trichiasis and related blindness. Trichiasis was often seen as a problem of old women, and treated locally by epilation. Conclusion/Significance Understanding indigenous knowledge may help guide control programs, tailor them to local contexts, address local beliefs and dispel misunderstandings. There is an essential need to
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