Rural Tourism as a Means of Enhancing Rural Livelihoods at Paga, Upper East Region, Ghana

Abstract

This thesis examines the means and ways in which rural tourism contributes to the enhancement of rural livelihoods at Paga. To date little is known about the empirical evidence linking rural tourism and livelihood enhancement at Paga. In order to gain better understanding of relevant issues in the context of the study, the sustainable livelihood framework which addresses livelihood assets, transforming structures and processes, vulnerability context, and livelihood strategies in order to achieve livelihood outcomes was employed. These components were then linked with rural tourism, livelihoods and poverty reduction. A combination of methods was used in this study (household questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, field observation, and informal discussions). The data gathered were then analysed, compared and integrated with each other and discussed. The study discovered that rural tourism provides employment opportunities to nearly 15.1% of the local people working in campsites and lodges, tour guiding, bar/restaurant operations among others. It also found out that farming contributed the least to individual monthly income, while the tourism sector contributed slightly higher in individual monthly incomes. The study concludes that rural tourism at Paga has the potential to enhance rural livelihoods. Benefits from the tourism sector must reach the poor and leakages should be minimised so that more benefits can be retained locally. The need to encourage local participation and decision making has also been stressed.