Publications
Community Perceptions on Conservation, Livelihood Vulnerability and Quality of Life Around Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro National Park
A study on Kilimanjaro National Park reveals that improved quality of life correlates with stronger conservation attitudes, particularly among highly vulnerable communities. The research found that as livelihood vulnerability decreases, the relationship between quality of life and conservation support weakens. This suggests that targeted development efforts could enhance both conservation outcomes and community well-being. The findings were derived from a questionnaire survey across four villages bordering the park, analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling.
Tourism-driven livelihood dynamics: A comprehensive empirical study of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park communities in Tanzania
A comprehensive empirical study of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park communities reveals that tourism significantly influences local livelihoods, with socioeconomic factors such as sex, age, household size, and access to credit playing pivotal roles. The research highlights that specific tourism activities like accommodation services, handcrafts, catering, and tour guiding have varying impacts on household food security, income, and access to social services. Challenges such as education levels, information gaps, service quality, cultural barriers, financial costs, government policies, competition, resource monopolization, corruption, and infrastructure deficiencies hinder community participation in tourism activities. The study recommends investments in skill development, infrastructure, cultural preservation, financial inclusion, regulatory frameworks, and community awareness programs to foster sustainable geotourism and uplift local livelihoods. Policymakers are urged to implement these strategies to promote the well-being of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park communities.
Not only Adventurous but also Leisure: Re-defining Tourism in Tanzanian Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, holds diverse attractions across its altitudinal gradients that can appeal to a broader range of tourists beyond just adventurous ones. Research reveals unique experiences at different elevations: leisure and acrophobic tourists enjoy endemic forest flowers and wildlife between 1800-2800 meters above sea level (masl), while floristic tourists appreciate giant groundsels like senecio and lobelia, along with the Shira Plateau, from 2800 to 4000 masl. Semi-adventurous visitors are drawn to distinctive rock formations resembling a cathedral or turtle at 4000-5000 masl, while adventurers seek the summit's dazzling stars and tropical snow above 5000 masl. This diversification of attractions could significantly increase tourism numbers and revenue, suggesting that marketing mountains as not only adventurous but also leisure destinations may be a viable strategy for tourism planners.
Assessment of plant species composition and natural regeneration in abandoned settlements in the lower montane forest of Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania
Abandoned settlements within Kilimanjaro National Park show significant potential for natural forest regeneration, driven by resilient plant species such as Vernonia lasiopus and Bothriocline longipes. These species play a crucial role in restoring microclimate conditions and soil fertility, essential for forest recovery. The study, conducted across four zones—former settlement, former cultivation, transition, and natural forest—revealed that while tree species richness was highest in the natural forest (11 ± 1 per plot), anthropogenically impacted areas exhibited early-stage succession with adequate regeneration patterns. Passive management by the park appears to facilitate this recovery, highlighting the high resilience of montane forests post-disturbance. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring future ecological succession and the effectiveness of conservation strategies in such sensitive ecosystems.
Climate Change Adaptation and Tourism: Towards Sustainable Tourism development in Kilimanjaro National Park Mountain, Tanzania
Climate change significantly impacts tourism resources in Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA), Tanzania, with a strong correlation of 4.705 between climate change severity and resource availability. The study identifies key adaptation strategies such as afforestation, eco-tourism, green tourism initiatives, loan provision for sustainable practices, environmental conservation projects, and education campaigns. These measures aim to mitigate climate impacts while fostering sustainable tourism development. The research employed a cross-sectional design with interviews, observations, and documentary reviews involving 90 respondents from adjacent villages over one month. Findings highlight the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to strengthen underutilized adaptation strategies, ensuring long-term resilience in KINAPA's tourism sector.
Forty Years of Climate and Land-Cover Change and its Effects on Tourism Resources in Kilimanjaro National Park
Climate change over the past four decades has significantly altered trekking conditions and sightseeing opportunities in Kilimanjaro National Park. Higher temperatures and reduced rainfall have decreased risks of landslides, rockfalls, and altitude sickness, improving physical trekking conditions. However, these changes have also led to a decline in wildlife, waterfalls, and snow cover, which are key attractions for tourists. While the loss of snow may initially boost 'last chance tourism,' long-term impacts could reduce visitation. The study suggests that proactive management of expanding heathlands is crucial to mitigating these losses. Researchers used a hazard-activity pairs approach to analyze the interplay between environmental changes and tourism activities, providing insights into the complex relationship between climate change and tourism sustainability.
Economic Valuation of Recreation Use Value of Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro National Park's recreation value is estimated at USD 193.9 million annually, with a revenue-maximizing entry fee of USD 55.8 per visitor. Using the Travel Cost Method, researchers analyzed data from 384 visitors to determine consumer surplus and willingness-to-pay, revealing significant influences of travel costs, income, age, employment status, and service quality on visitation duration. The study highlights the need for economic valuation research to guide sustainable management and resource allocation in national parks.
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