Government policies and local participation in the hospitality industry: A case study of the Kafue river catchment, Zambia

This study analyzed how government policies and regulatory frameworks influence local community participation in the hospitality industry within Zambia’s Kafue River Catchment. Guided by two objectives: exploring stakeholder perceptions of government policy and investigating community views on participation. The study was underpinned by institutional theory, which aims to explain how formal rules, regulations, and institutional structures shape organizational behavior and stakeholder interactions. Using a descriptive phenomenological qualitative design, data were collected through interviews with 22 purposively selected hospitality stakeholders, community members, leaders, and government administrators. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that while hospitality establishments operate under the hospitality and tourism policy, compliance with its contents is inconsistent. Communities were engaged mainly through low-wage employment, with limited support for local businesses, as establishments preferred sourcing produce from supermarkets. Some positive contributions included training initiatives, borehole construction, and school support, though certain establishments restricted community access to facilities. The study concluded that although the policy framework is active, gaps in communication, adherence, and implementation hinder meaningful participation. Economically, benefits to communities remain minimal, and local enterprises are largely excluded. The research recommends stronger government enforcement of policy provisions, improved stakeholder awareness, and enhanced community empowerment through skills training, agricultural cooperatives, and structured support mechanisms to foster inclusive and sustainable hospitality development in the catchment.