Journal of Tourism Quarterly

Human-Wildlife Conflict in Chiredzi Gonarezhou National Park: Overview – Conflict to Coexistence

Vitalis Basera — 2025-03-23

The successful conservation of wildlife and the well-being of communities living adjacent to protected areas largely depends on the extent to which the communities and wildlife themselves can coexist. Where coexistence fails, human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) arise. Almost every country in the world faces some form of HWC, and highly biodiversity, developing countries like Zimbabwe particularly struggle with this issue. HWC is one of the major challenges experienced by communities living adjacent to wildlife areas across the country. HWC often severely impacts the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the people who live alongside wildlife and whom we ask for support for wider conservation goals. The purpose of this study was to provide the detailed information on the status, nature and dynamics of HWC, how it is experienced and how communities living in and adjacent to HWC hotspots around Gonarezhou are affected. Knowledge gained from this study will inform the design and implementation of a suite of strategies and interventions in HWC mitigation. After appreciating the status of HWC the goal will be to increase the capacity of these local communities to coexist and sustainably protect and manage wildlife and other natural resources. This study was conducted in eight wards with HWC hotspots around Gonarezhou in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe in particular Chitsa, Chibwedziva, Twanani, Batanai, Chichingwe, Xibhavahlengwe, Sengwe and Xini. The local communities in these study sites live alongside and share their space with wildlife. A mixed methods approach was used to conduct this study, which involved the use of quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. The data was collected in September to October 2024. The quantitative data collection involved the use of structured household questionnaires, and a total of 560 households were interviewed across the study sites. The qualitative data collection techniques involved discussions with 28 focus groups and 12 interviews with key informants across the eight study sites. Results from household surveys showed that attitudes towards wildlife protection are generally positive. The incidences of HWC varied across the study sites with some sites such as Sengwe and Xibhavahlengwe experiencing higher levels of conflict. The study recommend for a holistic solution which addresses both HWC and poverty is critical in protecting biodiversity and improving livelihoods in communities around Gonarezhou National Park.

Segmentation and Profile Analysis of International Tourists: A Systematic Literature Review.

Alvy Ashraf — 2025-06-07

The need to understand tourists and their preferences has pushed toward segmenting and profiling tourists. The stakeholders of tourism sectors in developing countries are becoming aware of catering to specific types of tourists for a sound operation. This evidence-based systematic review attempts to categorize and profile international tourists. A total of 1386 records were found in the timeline of 2013-2023 from ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE, where 20 suitable publications were selected. By synthesizing results from different articles, the review will assist in comprehending the diverse characteristics and preferences of international tourists. This paper has revealed that tourists may be segmented into two sections- motives they possess for the destination and activities they intend to indulge in. In fine, the stakeholders of the tourism industry in a country may utilize this information for bettering their product offerings and services.

Nature’s Aphrodisiacs: Indigenous Herbs for Sexual Stimulation and Fertility Enhancement for Consumption by Health Tourists in Zimbabwe

Odmell Chipungu — 2025-06-07

In Zimbabwe, health tourism for the sake of gaining access to herbal substances for sexual stimulation and fertility enhancement is both undocumented and shrouded in mystical beliefs. Despite increased global fascination with traditional medicine, not much is known about the nature of the tourist traffic whose main purpose of travel is the consumption of these indigenous herbal substances for sexual stimulation and fertility enhancement. Specifically, this study sought to establish the variety of indigenous herbs for sexual stimulation and fertility enhancement that are available on the herbal market for the consumption of health tourists. Zimbabwe as a case in particular remains a black box. As a result, the commercial potential of indigenous sexual stimulants and fertility enhancement herbs remains uncharted both for health tourism and the health sector in general in Zimbabwe. This study departed from the conjecture that the dynamics of the consumption of traditional herbal substances for sexual stimulation and fertility enhancement by health tourists in Zimbabwe is understudied and untheorized despite the sector being a multi-billion investment in the global market. Premised on phenomenological approaches, in-depth interviews with herbalists and health tourists were purposively sampled. Mashonaland West province was used as the case study. Data was analyzed and presented thematically. The study adopted The Health Belief Model as the overarching theory to understand the phenomenon under study fully. Findings indicated that a variety of herbs are available on the herbal market for consumption by health tourists. However, the sector remains without a regulating framework and is highly underdeveloped. As a result, the industry remains trivialized, overlooked, and underestimated, and its contribution to the overall economy continues to be insignificant. However, the products available are priced at a shelf life afforded by almost everybody, hence explaining the wide use of this sector’s products. Of concern, the industry was found to be dominated by herbalists who are less versed in the practice posing cytotoxic consequences. There is a need to scientifically assess traditional herbal medicines for sexual stimulation and fertility enhancement to test myths associated with consumption.