This section summarises the key findings of the research in relation to the formulated objectives presented in chapter 1. The issues pertaining the socio-economic impacts of ecotourism are centralised.
5.2.1 The Extent and Nature of Interaction Between the Nompondo Community and HiP Management
The results from this study indicate a range of opportunities for positive interactions, which are attributed to job opportunities, good working relations and joint problem solving. This suggests that HiP management has moved a step ahead in order to reduce the tensions that exist between communities and HiP. In fact, this is relevant mainly in regions where a long history of animosity has been into existence, as is the case in many South Africa's protected areas owned by the state (Muzeza and Snyman, 2013). Despite these positive views, problematic animals that escape from the Park and are a threat to livestock and crops were identified as a major source of conflict. Although no one mentioned any danger posed to human lives, it is common that if the animals escape, they can easily attack human beings.
The respondents, however, indicated that unlike in the past, the HiP management has shown their concern by putting in place a couple of measures to curb the problem. Examples of measures that have been put in place include the erection of an electrified fence, regular fence
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line upgrading and patrol, hunting and destroying the animals as well as compensating for the losses but only those incurred as a result of animals that were reintroduced into the Park. It is, therefore, important to have a deeper understanding of the issues of conflict as well as the level of communication in order to determine the relationship between management and communities. This in the long run plays a vital role in attaining favourable relations between communities and management.
Furthermore, the results showed that the Nompondo community does not participate fully in the operation and management of HiP. Similar results were obtained in some developing countries where a few communities are involved in the management of protected areas (Nicholas et al., 2009) and insufficient attention accorded to linkages between local participation, conservation and national economies (Akama et al., 2011). Although the involvement of neighbouring communities in the operation and management of protected areas is essential, one has to bear in mind that due to the colonial and apartheid policies, not all local people have the skills and expertise required in this regard. However, many training programmes have been initiated to equip the local people with the relevant skills. In addition, some local people serve on committees like tourism, rhino ambassador and the organising committee for Vukuzame craft market as well as on Local Board which work hand in hand with EKZNW officials. Most of the respondents were also positive and expressed a desire to fully participate if offered an opportunity.
5.2.3 Types of Tourists Facilities and Resources within HiP that Impact or has the Potential to Impact on the Lives of the Nompondo Community
Indications are that some of the communities bordering the HiP have access to at least one of the natural resources, namely, meat, water, firewood and thatching grass. Thatching grass which is received through the cut and take-system, where 3 of every 4 bundles cut is taken by the community member participating in the cutting accounted for 40%. This is similar to what Snyman and Spenceley (2012) found out that some materials such as venison, firewood and reeds for crafts are available to local communities adjacent to the Nyae Nyae Conservancy in Namibia. (Strickland-Munro and Moore, 2014) also indicated that some of the traditional healers living on the western border of the Kruger National Park admitted that they harvest medicinal plants from inside the Park. In the Pilanesberg National Park, North West Province, local people are supplied with meat from culling programmes and are allowed selective harvesting of some resources (Carruthers, 2011). This suggests that there is a mutual
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benefit for both the community and the HiP and communities are developing some trust in HiP Management.
5.2.4 The Nompondo Community’s Involvement in the Development and Promotion of Ecotourism in HiP
Tourism development in the community was revealed through two specific areas. Firstly, there is interaction between the tourists who visit HiP and the neighbouring rural communities. This kind of interaction has brought a number of positive socio-economic benefits to the community. Examples of such benefits include job opportunities, income generation through the sale of handicraft and other related products as well as sharing cultures and traditions. The high regard for job opportunities and income generation as benefits in the community deserves special attention. This can be attributed to the fact the poverty within the region makes the monetary benefits to be considered very significant. The second form of ecotourism development was revealed as a result of the desire to have more tourists' visits as well as the establishment of other tourist facilities in addition to the Umkhombe tourism project in the community. This is an indication that since there is limited income generating opportunities in the region, the communities perceive ecotourism as an alternative. Such perceptions in most cases lead to negative impacts since the expectations far exceed what ecotourism can offer. Furthermore, it is also important to consider the time required for the communities to realise tangible benefits from ecotourism related projects as the communities tend to expect immediate benefits. Ecotourism initiatives should not be looked upon as the remedy for rural development, but instead should be part of a larger development strategy for the region.
5.2.5 The Attitudes and Perceptions of the Nompondo Community Towards HiP
Other benefits highlighted during the study are education/training programmes which include children wildlife camps, biodiversity education, capacity building, internship for field rangers, training of tour community guides, as well as market gardening. In addition, natural resource management, which partly involved the establishment of Nselweni Bush Lodge, as well as participation in park management/operation, which the community enjoys through Local Boards and committees are other benefits. Although a lot of focus is on economic benefits due to poverty that is prevalent in the community, the above stated benefits are equally important as they also enhance the livelihoods of local people through capacity building and other related opportunities.
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