Officials had encouraged villagers to participate in rural tourism
schemes on the grounds that it would help end their poverty and improve
the local infrastructure. Tourism was presented as a substitute
for agriculture and husbandry which had been in long term decline.
However, a majority (81%) of respondents said there had been very
little interest and engagement in formal rural tourism initiatives by
the local community. There were expressions of disillusionment,
stemming from past failures to fulfil promises, leading to reluctance
to participate. Other impediments to taking part were perceptions