Hi there! I’m excited to share what I’ve been working on for my PhD— exploring power dynamics in community-governed tourism conservancies in Kenya.
I’m studying at Leeds Beckett University in the UK, and my research looks at who’s involved in the governance of tourism in these conservancies, their interests, and how much influence they have in decision-making.
Why tourism matters in community-governed conservancies
Tourism is key to helping local communities benefit from wildlife. It encourages them to protect and set aside land for conservation, such as at community-governed conservancies.
Tourism in these areas has many benefits, including protecting biodiversity, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and supporting the local economy.
One of the biggest benefits is that they increase stakeholder participation in managing protected areas—particularly the involvement of local communities—and reduce dependence on state control.
They can make decisions, share the benefits, and work towards conserving wildlife for future generations.
The big question: Is everyone really involved?
Despite the positives, there’s still a concern—is everyone truly involved in decision-making? Decision-making in these conservancies involves many players, including government bodies, local communities, NGOs, and private companies.
They often have competing interests—biodiversity conservation, community livelihoods, and tourism development.
The degree of influence that each player holds also varies. Certain players may be more successful than others in meeting their priorities, raising concerns about power imbalances, and the questions:
- Who is involved?
- What are their interests?
- Whose interests are over- or under-represented?
- Who stands to benefit most?
- Who might lose out?
Understanding power dynamics
My research dives into these power dynamics using a framework called political ecology. This approach helps me see how different players interact and influence tourism decisions in community conservancies. While others have used political ecology in tourism studies, it hasn’t been explored much in the context of community conservancies.
Why this research matters
By understanding who holds power and why, I hope my research will lead to better ways of managing conservancies—not just in Kenya, but globally.
I also hope it will help develop a conflict resolution framework, so all the different groups with different interests can work together more effectively.
Thanks for checking this out! Feel free to share your thoughts and this post.
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