The contribution of soapstone handicraft industry to community tourism in Tabaka, Kisii County, Kenya
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Date
2015-12
Authors
Ogembo, Josephine Bonareri
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Many countries in developing world have turned to tourism as a tool for sustainable
development. Community participation is a crucial element to the success of tourism
development. The level of success of tourism within a community is dependent upon
the degree of resident‟s involvement and participation. The purpose of this study was
to assess the contribution of soapstone handicraft tourism industry in Tabaka in Kisii
County. The objective of the study was to investigate the contribution of soapstone
handicraft industry to the growth of tourism activities in Tabaka sub-location in Kisii
County; the study employed a descriptive research design targeting soapstone
operators and their leaders in Tabaka Sub-location. The sample for this study
comprised of five group leaders purposively selected and 85 soapstone operators
selected using stratified random sampling method from five soapstone self-help
groups in Tabaka sub-location. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire
and an interview schedule. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed
separately and synchronized. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS software.
Qualitative data was analysed using thematic data analysis method then incorporated
with quantitative data in presentations and discussions. The results of this study were
presented using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, figures and graphs
while emerging themes were reported as reflected in the analysis. The response rate of
94% was achieved and deemed to be very good. The findings indicated that there was
minimal tourism in Tabaka though majority of Tabaka residents were involved in
making soapstone handicraft products largely consumed by tourists at different
destinations in Kenya as souvenirs to carry home. Stakeholders played various roles
where the government engaged in planning and policy development coordinated both
private and public sectors but needed to do more especially in marketing and building
of appropriate infrastructure. The industry faced challenges that arose from limited
education of operators, limited funding, lack of infrastructure and exploitation by
middlemen. However suggestions of strategies to overcome the challenges
community residents faced were made as the need for the government involvement in
creating awareness, to facilitate the acquiring of potential entrepreneurial skills, lack
of modern tools and limited marketing knowledge of members, encouragement of
stakeholder participation in providing the needed support, government commitment to
the building of infrastructure and supper- structure and enhancing of marketing of
Tabaka as a destination of choice. The study recommended a further research to
explore the role of tour planners in promoting Tabaka soapstone handicraft as one of
cultural tourism products in western Kenya tourism circuit.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of master of science in hospitality and tourism management in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management of Kenyatta University. December, 2015