Socio-economic valuation of dolphin tourism in kizimkazi Zanzibar.

Tourism is an important economic sector for the economic development of Zanzibar. This study aimed to evaluate the improvement of socio-economic welfare of the Kizimkazi community from dolphin tourism and assess the extent of community participation in dolphin tourism; and examines incomes generated from employment gained from dolphin tourism. Lastly it sought to obtain the opinions of tourists on the costs that they incur and the benefits they get from this type of tourism. Primary data was obtained through participatory rural appraisal (PRA - focus group discussions, timeline/event analysis with key informants and observation) and a questionnaire survey. Secondary data was obtained by reading relevant published and unpublished documents regarding socio economic valuation of dolphin watching in order to form an overview and identify gaps and information. Two villages were selected namely Kizimkazi Dimbani and Kizimkazi Mkunguni. A proportionate stratification of the population was selected to sample dolphin tourism stakeholders.The socio-economic survey data was analysed using both Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel software, where the qualitative data was analysed by cross tabulation and comparison of different views, using SPSS. The results were further synthesized into simple tables; charts and graphs using Microsoft Excel software. The findings from the study indicated that a number of Kizimkazi villagers are benefited from dolphin tourism through employment directly in hotels and from other dolphin related activities. Moreover the study revealed that many youth gain employment such as boat operators, employed in hotels, and some have self-employment.Tourists suggested better services are such as limiting the number of boats and better tourism services. In terms of socio economic welfare, still there is a considerable amount of money is going to the village, there for are many beneficiaries.