Key sustainable tourism mechanisms for poverty reduction and local socio-economic development in Africa

Increasing populations, together with the impact of climate change, are resulting in greater competition for land and a necessity for sustainable land use. Tourism can provide a flow of benefits from conservation to rural communities to reduce poverty and promote biodiversity conservation. Three key mechanisms of sustainable tourism to reduce poverty are discussed:  employment, value chains and equity. These are based on primary data and a thorough literature review. Case study examples from Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe are included to demonstrate the impact of tourism employment on household welfare. Common problem areas associated with community engagement are identified and ways to upscale benefits are put forward. Tourism is not a panacea, but it can certainly play an important role in poverty alleviation.