Leveraging Eco-Tourism for Sustainable Development: Strategic Pathways and PolicyImplications in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of eco-tourism as a strategic vehicle for sustainable development in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. Situated within a region rich in biodiversity yet challenged by socio-economic vulnerability, Manicaland presents a compelling case for leveraging nature-based tourism as a tool for inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. Drawing from a mixed-methods approach that integrates stakeholder interviews, field observations, and spatial analysis of key eco-tourism hubs such as Bvumba, Nyanga, and Chimanimani, the research critically assesses the current landscape of eco-tourism in the province. Findings reveal that despite considerable ecological and cultural assets, the sector remains underutilised due to fragmented policy frameworks, insufficient infrastructure, and limited community engagement. Nonetheless, the study identifies substantial opportunities to reposition eco-tourism through integrated development planning, enhanced institutional coordination, and the creation of public-private-community partnerships. The research offers a policy-oriented roadmap grounded in local realities, proposing strategic pathways that align conservation objectives with socio-economic development goals. By focusing on a provincial case within a broader national and regional context, this study contributes original insights to the discourse on sustainable tourism in sub-Saharan Africa, offering practical recommendations for replicable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable tourism models.