Exploring challenges to the sustainability of tourism in the Kafue river catchment: A qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives and mitigation strategies

This research looks at the main obstacles impeding the advancement of sustainable tourism from growing in Zambia's Kafue River Basin. The study, informed by Sustainable Development Theory and Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Theory, underscores the equilibrium among economic advancement, environmental conservation, and social equity, while accentuating the significance of host community involvement in tourism planning and benefit distribution. A qualitative case study research design was utilised, incorporating in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, with data subjected to thematic qualitative analysis. The target population consisted of around 200 homes, five traditional chiefs, and 12 tourism-related enterprises in the Lower Kafue River Basin. Consequently, a purposive criterion sampling methodology was employed, resulting in a sample size of 21 participants (18 community members and 3 policy makers). The findings indicate that inadequate policy articulation and enforcement, substandard infrastructure, the marginalisation of local communities, cultural and environmental issues, and disjointed stakeholder coordination are the primary obstacles impeding sustainable tourist development. Zambia's tourist policies have improved, but they are still not being put into action well because of problems with governance and infrastructure. The study finds that sustainable tourism in the Kafue River Basin is not possible without full community involvement, strong enforcement measures, improvements to infrastructure, and cooperation amongst all parties involved. It suggests forming partnerships, making sure that policies are followed more strictly, giving local people more influence through capacity-building, and keeping cultural authenticity in order to create a tourism industry that balances social justice, economic growth, and environmental protection.