Contribution of tourism towards poverty alleviation: the case of Mbahe and Arisi villages Surrundung Kilimanjaro National Park

The study aimed at assessing the contribution of tourism to poverty alleviation in communities living adjacent to national parks in Tanzania, with special reference to Kilimanjaro National Part. Specifically to identify the social and economic benefits created by tourism to the communities surrounding KINAPA and to examine the contributions of local communities to the ecological integrity of KINAPA. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in data collection and analysis. Data were obtained using documentary search, questionnaire interviews and observation. The presentation of data has been illustrated in terms of tables, figures. The presentation of the research findings was carried out according to each research question. The study constituted 70 respondents who responded on questionnaire and interview. The majority of research participants considered tourism to have the potential to improve their livelihoods. However, there were a number of key issues that need to bee harmonized in these communities before the full potentials of tourism can really be realized in the study area.