Challenges of Tourism Business Partnerships in Wildlife Management Areas around Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania

Abstract

This article analyses how tourism development in Tanzanians' Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) is structured based on the political-ecological factors governing African countries. The article seeks to ascertain the variables that have triggered conflicts among stakeholders in tourism business partnerships. A total of 133 household heads and 74 key informants were examined, utilising a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide, respectively, to gather data. The findings indicate that tourism business partnerships provide challenges to local community. Their participation in business is undermined in the WMAs due to the deprivation of the benefits from wildlife resources. It is therefore important to integrate specific community-based business strategies in the policies, which can facilitate the development of tourism and provide mutual help in Wildlife Management Areas in Tanzania.