Exploring the Effects of Tourism on Rural Livelihoods: A Case Study of Liuwa in Kalabo District, Focusing on Mishulundu, Munde, and Sibemi Areas

This qualitative study explores the multifaceted effects of tourism on rural livelihoods in the Liuwa region of Kalabo District, with a particular focus on the communities of Mishulundu, Munde, and Sibemi. The research problem stems from the limited understanding of how tourism initiatives impact local socioeconomic structures, especially in remote rural settings where livelihoods are intricately tied to natural resources. The study engaged 17 purposively selected participants—including local residents, community leaders, and tourism operators—through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, the study examined how tourism contributes to or undermines livelihood assets such as income, social capital, and environmental sustainability. The findings reveal a complex relationship: while tourism has generated seasonal employment and fostered infrastructure development, it has also led to increased land pressure and unequal benefit distribution. The study concludes that for tourism to be a sustainable development tool, inclusive planning and community empowerment are essential. Recommendations include enhancing local capacity through training, establishing transparent benefit-sharing models, and integrating traditional knowledge into tourism planning. This study contributes to the discourse on rural development and offers actionable insights for policy and practice.