Impacts of Cultural Tourism on the Domestic Utility of Traditional Baskets

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study carried out in Gumare and Etsha 6 villages of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The study examined the relationship between development of tourism and production of traditional baskets in the area. Methods used for the study include a total of 100 household survey, questionnaires administered across the two study sites, two focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The findings indicate that different factors may have worked individually or in concert to necessitate a shift in focus for production of baskets from domestic to commercial wares. Importantly, the paper underlines the importance of tourism in availing a market for the baskets thus considerably influencing the nature of production and changes observed in the qualities of the baskets over time. The paper concludes that the observed changes are necessary if the basket production industry is to be sustained. Essentially, therefore, these changes may be conceived of as signs of evolution on the part of the craft and adaptation by producers.