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