"Endogenous Development and Eco-Tourism in Zimbabwe"
Report on a Feasibility Study for a Joint Project
California State Polytechnic University Pomona
and
Bulawayo Polytechnic, Zimbabwe
Dorothy D. Wills, Ph.D.
Department of Geography and Anthropology
In pursuance of our long-standing association, it was decided in late 2002 for the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) to send a faculty member to Zimbabwe to work with the School of Hospitality and Tourism (SCHOTO). The purpose in general was to prepare for the next phase of collaboration between Cal Poly Pomona and Bulawayo Polytechnic Institution. The period of the visit was March 21 - 31, 2003. The itinerary involved travel between California and Harare, Masvingo, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Meetings were held with members of the tourism industry in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. Several tours were arranged, notably of Great Zimbabwe, the Natural History Museum of Bulawayo, the capital city (Harare) and environs, Zimuto Cultural Village and other sites around Masvingo, and sites at Victoria Falls. Interviews and discussions were held with the administration of SCHOTO, its staff and faculty, and a few students, and with the leadership of AZTREC, a community partner (non-governmental organization). Dr. Margaret Nyamuda, Dean of SCHOTO, and Dr. Abraham Mwadiwa, Principal of Bulawayo Polytechnic, were closely involved in every phase of the study, and were instrumental in the achievement of all objectives. Dr. James Kamusikiri, Cal Poly Pomona, played an essential role in facilitating the visit. Dr. Barbara Way, Dean of CLASS, directed the project from Cal Poly Pomona, and Dr. Wills conducted the visit and study.
A. Objectives of Study
1. Training Needs Assessment: Research Capability and Methods
The basic premise of the training needs assessment component of the project was that SCHOTO's ability to deliver excellent managers and workers to the hospitality and tourism industry can be enhanced by upgrading the research capability of its faculty and staff (see Attachment: Objectives for a Training Needs Assessment). Students are expected to find employment in an industry facing numerous challenges in today's economy in Zimbabwe, and, indeed, Africa and the world. Among possible issues they will have to be able to manage are: a) increased inter-connection with rural populations and the natural environment, b) increased demand for variety of services on the part of clientele (e.g., vegetarian dishes, accommodation for disabled travelers, native cuisine, traditional cultural exposition, etc.), c) changing political climate, d) deteriorating infra-structure. All of these issues are potentially responsive to research, especially a) and b). By strengthening the experience and profile of the teaching staff in research methods, we enhance the students' preparation. We also held discussions on the topic of project management skills, and whether these should form part of the assessment.
To assess the level of preparation of the faculty and administrative staff, individual and group interviews were conducted. Questions were posed concerning research interests; work/teaching profile; professional objectives; training and educational experiences; specific research projects underway; understanding of particular methods of collecting data; etc., so as to form an idea of their skills, needs, and goals. The people interviewed are assigned to SCHOTO and the Faculty of Commerce. Interviews with the administration portrayed the institution as a vibrant, supportive, and competitive environment in which these individuals are expected to grow throughout their careers. Every person was contemplating or already engaged in original research of a type suitable to his or her professional activities and goals. Most are affiliated with a graduate program, several at South African campuses (especially Vaal Tech). Lack of ideas is not the problem here. The research topics discussed were conceptually sophisticated, potentially valuable in their applications, and based in a strong educational foundation. Rather, the faculty could use support in a few key areas:
a. defining their concept or thesis so that it naturally suggests
a program of inquiry rather than merely sounding interesting,
b. tailoring the tools and procedures of the research program
to the goals of the proposed inquiry,
c. organizing the project, in terms of time, materials, activities,
and eventual writing up of findings and conclusions.
In short, the faculty do not need basic course work; they have gotten or are getting that. They do not need to learn the difference between pure and applied research; they have all proposed investigations that are of immediate or potential applicability in their industry. They were already familiar with most of the actual research methods discussed (survey, interview, document analysis, and statistical analysis of survey or census data), and the philosophical propositions underlying them. Some of them can benefit from additional training in project management. Since Bulawayo Polytechnic is setting higher standards for itself, and planning to participate more vitally in the national mission, according to its Strategic Planning documents, the bar is therefore raised for the faculty.
The faculty have a good sense of the changing needs of the tourism industry, and of business in general. Their comments echoed the input of tourist industry personnel present at meetings. One interesting commonality was that teaching staff in the Department of Foods and Beverages, including the Director, were interested in the topic of native food and drink items, their nutritional or taste value, and traditional methods of preparation and presentation. The notable absence of local, national, and regional dishes on the menus of most hotels and restaurants was discussed at length, and several projects are directed to investigation of the causes, extent, and possible remedies of the situation. It appears to be the case that knowledge of local plants and animals, foodstuffs, their use in the diet, and/or preparation is lacking, even in some of the rural populations themselves, who are the ultimate source of this knowledge. Therefore, basic research is called for. Additionally, an attitudes survey of both the domestic tourist class and international tourists might provide valuable information to support a marketing and placement campaign leading to effective utilization of these commodities in the hotel and restaurant outlets. Then, of course, specific, appropriate educational modules would need to be added to the curriculum.
Bulawayo Polytechnic conducted a SWOT analysis as part of its strategic planning initiative in 1999 (Bulawayo Poytechnic 2002). Working Group 4 in this activity targeted "Research Institutionalised", and established as milestones the following:
a) May 1999, Steering Committee draws up Terms of Reference
for Research Unit,
b) August 1999, Research into College restructuring (self-study
entailing data on present structure; staff development and exchange
programs)
c) February 2000, Research into servicing of industry and other
stakeholders, involving networking with local and external institutions
on curriculum and products; affiliation with renowned institutions.
Some faculty in Business mentioned the value of this workshop. A follow-up on this exercise would be useful. There is considerable evidence of capacity for a Research Unit, but it does not appear to be operational yet. The SWOT analysis yielded as weaknesses and threats mainly financial and management (bureaucratic) difficulties, not unwillingness to grow in this area or lack of educational preparedness.
2. Technology Capacity Assessment
An extensive discussion was held with Mr. Jabulani Chirinda, a lecturer in Computer Information Systems who acts as the lead computer technician for SCHOTO. The School at this time has two computer labs for lecturers, an Internet lab, and a computer lab for students. They are also equipped with projection equipment, a digital camera, and a 386 lap-top computer. They are developing a web page for the School. Mr. Chirinda pointed out that networking is a challenge for them; they have not been able to put in the appropriate infra-structure. He reported that many of the students have achieved some computer literacy, and virtually all of the staff, but that access is not equal to demand. Internet access is on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of their equipment is dated. They receive support from some of their international partners, but are under-funded in this area.
Mr. Chirinda was enthusiastic about the idea of holding one or more tele-conferences with Cal Poly Pomona, in an effort to design the collaboration in a more inclusive way. He confirmed that the existing facilities would be adequate, providing they are able to establish the satellite link-up. The principal actors at both locations would be involved, and invited guests, depending on the precise objectives of the conference. On the Pomona side, this capability is well established. The twelve members of CLASS Team Zimbabwe expressed support for this kind of interaction, at a meeting held in May, 2003.
3. Support for Endogenous Development and Eco-Tourism
Bulawayo Polytechnic has entered into an agreement with AZTREC to support the implementation of the ENEDA Project (AZTREC 2003). AZTREC is also working to establish the International Centre on Endogenous Development (ICED), having been allotted by the government forty hectares of land within the Masvingo peri-urban area, through which it would administer various development projects. Bulawayo Polytechnic has a potential role in ICED, as well, since a large part of its institutional profile will involve education, research, and coordination/collaboration. Furthermore, a by-product of the commercial activity of tourism is rural development.
The future of tourism in Zimbabwe may hinge on the growth of an even greater emphasis on educational and cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and the emerging agro-tourism (see discussions of these in Honey 1999). The Director and associates of AZTREC have advanced the idea of eco-cultural villages (Gonese and Tivafire 2001). The field visit included one such, Zimuto cultural village, and a farmer innovator site associated with ENEDA. These are impressive in and of themselves, as examples of a uniquely Zimbabwean/African approach to development, and as potential educational field sites. It is not difficult to imagine a group of advanced students or sophisticated members of the public coming to such locales to learn about indigenous and sustainable agriculture, herbal medicine, village society, and so on, and to catch a glimpse of a future for humanity in which the "cosmovision" of pre-industrial civilization co-exists with elements of modern science, such as seed banks. Mr. Nelson Mudzingwa, who conducted the tour, was an extremely articulate, knowledgeable, and passionate guide. His explication of the six knowledge systems of the indigenous worldview was particularly fascinating (Gonese, Tivafire and Mudzingwa 2003; Gonese 1999). These knowledge systems embrace agriculture, technology, nature conservation, health delivery, culture and "cosmovision", and language, and hence cross-cut the categories of conventional Western-derived curriculum.
While Zimbabwe has done an excellent job of making the most of its national heritage, such as Victoria Falls (a world heritage site), Hwange Park, Great Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou Park, the Matopos, Lake Kariba and parts of the Zambezi, and the eastern Highlands, the country has untapped cultural resources remaining, such as the Tongan territory. Also, the excellent reputation the country has earned in wildlife conservation and sustainable development of natural resources needs to be maintained and matched by more aggressive cultural resource management (CRM).
A Netherlands-based international non-governmental organization, COMPAS , has become significantly involved in endogenous development around the globe. COMPAS organizes conferences, publishes scholarly works, coordinates projects, and assists in procuring funding for its members/partners. It has organized a university consortium whose goal is to strengthen practitioners of indigenous knowledge systems in research methodology and appropriate technology, and to infuse the standard university curriculum with the traditional philosophical paradigm and praxis. Bulawayo Polytechnic has been identified as an institution capable of providing training in research and endogenous development. Thus, strengthening the applied research capacity of Bulawayo Polytechnic undergirds its roles in tourism and development. AZTREC, through COMPAS and on its own, works with a number of other national and regional educational institutions, forming an extensive network of human and educational resources. Bulawayo Polytechnic is a key player in this network.
In addition to its headquarters, ENEDA activities such as Zimuto Cultural Village and the Farmer Innovators, and the ICED site, AZTREC maintains the Greenbelt Initiative and Tasangana Conservancy. The Greenbelt Initiative is an allocation of land, accessible to the Masvingo urban center, which will be devoted to agricultural production for local consumption. The local food supply has dropped alarmingly, while cost has increased, owing to the over-commercialization of arable land and dependence on farm products from other parts of the country. Tasangana Conservancy is a demonstration area for wildlife management according to endogenous development principles. It is managed by ten conservators who have agreed that it could be used for research, training, and educational tourism. Several species of wildlife were viewed in their natural habitat. This was quite a thrilling aspect of the tour.
B. Nature of Collaboration
1. Non-Governmental Organization Partners
AZTREC, ENEDA Project, COMPAS, ICED Project
The Communal Area Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) is a visible player in the rural areas of Zimbabwe, and many other NGOs have offices and projects in various parts of the country. Some of Bulawayo Polytechnic's students may expect to work for or with any of these organizations in the future, especially those involved in conservation, 'green' tourism, endogenous development, appropriate technology transfer, and education. The most significant at this time are those discussed above. These offer a wealth of opportunities for internships, practical experiences, field visits, training, research projects, and professional collaboration. Their potential contribution to the future of Zimbabwe cannot be over-stressed. While the World Bank, United Nations, U.S.A.I.D., and other government agencies have closed some of their operations, the NGOs are still there. It is very important for Bulawayo Polytechnic, and by extension Cal Poly Pomona, to continue its participation in these partnerships. Village tourism has not been as strong an element of the educational exposure as traditional tourism at SCHOTO until the current re-structuring and re-visioning; the partnerships with NGOs working in the rural development field can support this transformation. Their expertise in indigenous arts and crafts, herbal medicine, the spiritual traditions, organic and sustainable farming, and non-formal education can enhance the curriculum for the next generation of hospitality managers.
2. Educational Institutions
Vaal Triangle Technikon (South Africa), University Consortium
organized by UNESCO and COMPAS, NUST, UZ and many other Zimbabwe
institutions
Cal Poly Pomona enjoys linkages and partnerships of various kinds with institutions around the world. Its contacts in Africa are at present few, however, the most significant being those in Zimbabwe. Liaisons with universities in the southern African region will be welcome.
Many specific programs at Cal Poly Pomona can potentially be implicated in the collaboration, in CLASS and other colleges. Among new programs having something to offer are the Cultural Resources Management option in Anthropology and Digital Social Sciences and Humanities minor to be administered by CLASS. The National University of Science and Technology and the University of Zimbabwe are collaborators of long standing, who are considered important prospective resources in the current venture.
3. Industry Partners
ZimSun, Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ), Harambe Holdings,
Dynamic Management Consultancy, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA),
British Airways, Nissan, Avis, Madlala Tours, other consultants
and CEOs of companies and agencies
Zimbabwe has a highly elaborated tourism infra-structure, focused on the primary spots of Victoria Falls, the game parks, Great Zimbabwe, Kariba, Eastern Highlands, the Matopos to some extent, and Harare. However, actual traffic and visiting are down eighty percent, according to information from meetings and interviews. Air and ground transportation have suffered from petrol shortages, and there are food shortages in some areas, but hotel and tour services remain excellent.
Fourteen companies or agencies were represented at a lunch meeting with industrial partners hosted by SCHOTO. Mr. David Govere, a member of the Board of Directors of the School and Vice President of Harambe Holdings Ltd., gave generously of his time and shared his views and extensive experiences in the tourist industry. Lengthy individual interviews took place with Mr. Innocent Nezungai in Victoria Falls and Harare; he also arranged for a breakfast meeting with managers of the Sun Hotel Chain and four other organizations, including SAFIRE, a non-governmental organization involved in indigenous development and eco-tourism. Mr. John Chidzomba of Dynamic Management Consultancy, who sits on the Human Resources Committee for the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe, gave a one-on-one interview on the topics of training needs for the industry and public relations. Two points reiterated by tourist industry managers were the importance of conducting a human resources audit throughout the industry, and the need for development of a tourism master plan for the country. Both of these activities can be supported by educational inputs from SCHOTO, either training or consultation.
ZTA, HAZ, and the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism all produce publicity for the industry. Their representatives were of the opinion that the former high reputation of the country as a tourist spot has deteriorated, owing to bad news on the economic and political fronts. There was some discussion of the possible ways in which Cal Poly Pomona and other educational institutions could alleviate the impact of bad publicity by assisting with the publication of materials highlighting the positive aspects of visiting Zimbabwe - the people themselves, the natural beauty, conservation record, and so forth.
C. Activities of Study
1. Masvingo:
Zimuto Cultural Village
Farmer Innovator and Demonstration Hut (ENEDA)
ICED site
Great Zimbabwe
Tasangana Conservancy
Greenbelt Initiative
AZTREC headquarters
2. Bulawayo:
SCHOTO, Bulawayo Polytechnic Institution (tour)
Presentation to Advanced Food and Beverage Class
Interviews with faculties of SCHOTO and Commerce
Meeting with administrators and members of Board of Directors
Meeting with tourist industry representatives
Natural and Cultural History Museum
3. Harare:
Meetings with tourist industry representatives in Harare and
Victoria Falls were made possible by Mr. Innocent Nezungai, Operations
Director of ZimSun Leisure Group, an important employer of SCHOTO
graduates.
The tour of Harare was conducted by Mrs. Eusebia Nezungai, who
was a font of knowledge on the history and characteristics of
the city. The University of Zimbabwe campus, arts/crafts markets,
densely populated zone, and suburban district were part of the
tour. Information was also provided by drivers and hotel personnel.
4. Victoria Falls:
Meeting with tourist industry representatives
Tourist activities
D. Recommendations for a Project
The partnership between CLASS/Cal Poly Pomona and SCHOTO/Bulawayo Polytechnic can proceed on several fronts. The educational goals of each institution will be furthered by collaborative research, exchange of faculty and advanced students, mentoring and training, internships, and organized conferences, assuming the financial support for these activities can be obtained. We recommend the following to begin with:
1. International Center for Endogenous Development
ICED offers numerous opportunities for research at various levels. As it is in the process of design and growth, advanced students and faculty would be able to learn from and contribute to a fundamentally transformative development program, whether through internships, appointments, or applied research projects. The association with COMPAS, AZTREC, and other organizations fostered by ICED would be a powerful experience for SCHOTO and Cal Poly Pomona personnel.
2. Faculty Partnering, Exchange, and Advanced Study
Most of the conversations with faculty concluded with a request for a longer association with a specific scholar in the field of interest of the interviewee, for assistance with admission to a graduate program, or for a teaching appointment at Cal Poly Pomona at the next leave opportunity. Any of these approaches could have the consequence of strengthening the professional development of the Bulawayo Polytechnic faculty member and/or improving their particular research activity. They would also be beneficial for Cal Poly Pomona.
a. Two faculty, one from SCHOTO and one from Commerce, who are well advanced in their research projects or ideas, and who could benefit from close collaboration with an individual scholar at Cal Poly Pomona, are the following:
Extensive discussions and a brief field outing were held with Ms. Lezina Banda of SCHOTO. Her topic is the amarula tree, its products and their use. Long part of the Bulawayo local cuisine, and found throughout Zimbabwe, amarula fell out of favor or currency during the colonial period, but is still known as a drink, a fruit/nut snack, a sauce, and possibly a medicament, in the rural area. Ms. Banda proposes to study the properties and applications of amarula for adaptation to the modern kitchen and hospitality industry. Manufacturing and sale of amarula products are at present entirely carried out in the informal, household-based economy. Were there to be a small-scale business enterprise established around it, this might introduce some much-needed revenue to rural communities. Ms. Banda should be working with someone in Foods and Nutrition who is knowledgeable about small business start-up and management. Dr. Nyamuda commented following the study, "I have had two people come in and put in their applications for Doctorates after they heard Lezina talk about her research!"
Ms. Anna Nhambasora (Commerce) is interested in carrying out applied social research, with youth, women, disadvantaged, or disabled people, with the ultimate objective of extending the work of the institution to a broader community. It was suggested that she be partnered with Dr. Brett Stockdill, of the Department of Behavioral Sciences, and preliminary contact was made. Dr. Stockdill is, unfortunately, leaving Cal Poly Pomona for another post. We will ask Dr. Gary Cretser, Chair of BHS, for another suggestion.
Anna Meares, Tranos Moyo, Nehemiah Chikudzu, and several others also had well-developed research concepts and the beginnings of projects. Eleven individual interviews were conducted, and all eleven are potential candidates for research associations. Group meetings were held with SCHOTO and Commerce staff, as well.
b. Mr. Stewart Sanhewe of the Business Faculty has made a persuasive case for placement in the M.B.A. program at Cal Poly Pomona. He requires financial assistance. There are several other potential candidates for this degree program, and a few possibilities for the M.S. in Economics, as well.
c. The first Bulawayo Polytechnic faculty member proposed for a lectureship at Cal Poly Pomona is Dr. Alex Zengeya, the Assistant Principal, whose background is in political economy and education. His resumé and application have been solicited.
3. Video Tele-Conference
As mentioned, Mr. Chirinda and the other technical staff are of the opinion that a dual-site video-conference could be arranged to promote the partnership, carry out planning activities, and finalize the next steps. Since Cal Poly Pomona is not in full session until late September, the time frame that presents itself as optimum for the conference is October, which would also give us advance time to schedule any exchanges, visits, or other activities we want to carry out early in 2004.
4. Training of Trainers
The long-term viability of the educational component of the project at SCHOTO can only be assured by the preparation of a core of teaching personnel and trainers. Their knowledge and abilities should be focused on applied research methodology, non-formal education, cultural resource management, and (endogenous) development theory, alongside the basic considerations of the hospitality industry and national development objectives. The administration and faculty of SCHOTO are well aware of the training needs of the tourist industry at this time. They and the industry representatives interviewed agreed that skills across the board among workers and managers need to be upgraded. Thus, it is vitally important that institutions such as SCHOTO emphasize the professional development of their faculty. Entrepreneurship, assessment practice in relation to occupational standards, and project management are all areas in need of support. Awareness of eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, and e-commerce is very low at this time. Agro-tourism was a new concept to those interviewed, although it seems to hold promise for the Zimbabwe tourist market, which includes domestic and international tourists interested in educational issues such as ecology and development.
The research partnering/mentoring, graduate study, and lecturing appointments recommended in (1) will aid the task of the full-scale upgrading of competency in tourist industry personnel, in so far as current students are beneficiaries of their teachers' increased knowledge. This effort can be supplemented by a Training of Trainers component, which can take the form of a series of workshops and interactions to build a training team within SCHOTO, who then work with NGOs, industry partners, and students and other faculty on particular issues, such as those mentioned above. They might participate in the human resources audit and strategic planning process suggested in interviews with industry, as well. SCHOTO and Cal Poly Pomona can look among their staff and contacts to identify individuals to organize and provide the appropriate training. The Training Team then are prepared to deliver training themselves, through classes, consultations, publications, or other interventions.
Suggested Timeline for First three years of Proposed Five-Year Collaborative Project
Study planned Study conducted Team Z meeting Report sent
Plan
Approv.
Dec. 2002 Mar. 2003 May 2003 July 2003 Aug. 03
Video Conference Training Team Follow-up Visit or Internship
with
Research partners assembled Exchange ICED
Oct. 2003 Dec. 2003 Wtr Qtr 2004 June-Aug. 2004
Training of Trainers Video Conference Publish Research Internship
ICED
Workshop Exchange Industry training Mid-proj. assess.
July 2004 Fall Qtr 2004 Jan. 2005 June-Aug. 2005
E. Context and Questions
The assets of Zimbabwe as a nation are many. An outstanding one is the love of the Zimbabwean people for books and learning, as noted by Doris Lessing in a recent article, among many other observers (2003:3). Zimbabwe's vital cultural heritage includes the most impressive archaeological remains south of the Sahara, though these have not been sufficiently tapped and are not adequately protected. CRM theory and legislation are well developed in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is to be complimented on its support for traditional culture in the face of aggressive globalization of western culture. Marketing of art, crafts, theater, and music is advanced, with room to grow. Zimbabwe's progressive attitude to religious freedom, health education, and education in general creates a generally refreshing social environment. There is some degree of support for gender equality, which also lends itself to a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Compared to other developing countries, Zimbabwe's tourist and urban locations are relatively free of oppressive officialdom, intrusive and high-pressure sales people, and excessive waits for services. Visitors feel that their presence is desirable. Towns and cities are fairly pollution-free. We have pointed out the excellent reputation enjoyed by Zimbabwe in the field of wildlife conservation and environmental management.
Problems of infra-structure, health and hygiene, and pervasive poor conditions of life do affect the tourist trade. These challenges are of course shared with other African and developing countries. The negative political situation is also common to many nations, though Zimbabwe's reputation for human rights repression and authoritarian rule seems especially poor.
Cal Poly Pomona has posed to itself a few critical questions, in the course of its institutional self-study: What does it mean to be a global citizen? What should be the role of the university in the development programs of other countries? How can faculty collaborations serve the objectives of internationalization of the curriculum and the improvement of pedagogy? Our affiliation with Bulawayo Polytechnic helps us answer these questions. Cal Poly Pomona can help Bulawayo Polytechnic achieve its own goals.
Works Cited
Association of Zimbabwe Traditional Environmental Conservationists, AZTREC Profile, June, 2002.
AZTREC, Integrated Enhancing Endogenous Development in Africa (ENEDA) Program, Proposal to Kellogg Foundation through California State Polytechnic University Pomona, January, 2003.
Bulawayo Polytechnic (A.I.C. Mwadiwa et al.), Preparatory Materials for the Stakeholder: Strategic Planning Workshop, Bulawayo, July, 2002.
Gonese, Cosmas, "Culture and Cosmovision of Traditional Institutions in Zimbabwe," IN Food for Thought. Ancient visions and new experiments of rural people, ed. Bertus Haverkort and Wim Hiemstra: 155-163. London: Zed Books, 1999.
Gonese, Cosmas and Raymond Tivafire, "Eco-Cultural Villages in Zimbabwe," Ancient Visions and New Challenges. Methodologies to support endogenous development, Compas Magazine for Endogenous Development 4: 26-30, March, 2001.
Gonese, Cosmas, Raymond Tivafire and Nelson Mudzingwa, "Developing Centres of Excellence on Endogenous Development," IN Ancient Roots, New Shoots. Endogenous development in practice, ed. Bertus Haverkort, Katrien van 't Hooft and Wim Hiemstra: 169-181. London: Zed Books, 2003.
Honey, Martha, Ecotourism and Sustainable Development. Who owns paradise? Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 1999.
Lessing, Doris, "The Jewel of Africa," The New York Review of Books April 10, 2003.
Cal Poly Pomona
July 31, 2003
Attachment
Objectives for a Training Needs Assessment
Bulawayo Polytechnic Institution
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
in partnership with
California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona, California
Two kinds of studies need to be carried out. Both require interviews with teaching staff of Bulawayo Polytechnic and anyone else involved in the development of curriculum, administration of educational programs, and technical support for such programs. The faculty themselves will be in a position to assess the levels of their students with regard to the competencies they wish to assure as outcomes of their own courses (this is an objective of the proposed course[s]). Questionnaire, observation, and interview will be the primary methods used in the assessment.
Training Needs in Research Methods
Objectives of the study include:
1. To determine the extent of preparation of faculty in specific techniques of qualitative social science research, such as interviewing, working with informants, observation, document analysis, and others.
2. To ascertain whether there is need for development of project management skills on the part of faculty, in the belief that the delivery of their course(s) to students and their interactions/programs with rural people will ultimately entail considerable management.
3. To develop a logical framework for (a) research methods course(s) to be applied in the particular context of Zimbabwe. That is to say, the course(s) will involve not only basic theoretical grounding, but inputs (units, topics, activities, etc.) and outcomes (ability to establish field sites, competency in identification of rural and urban counterparts, various communicative capabilities, etc.) based in the realities of Zimbabwe as well as in the vision of the institution.
Feasibility of Using Multimedia/Computer Technology
Objectives of the study include:
1. To assess the availability and quality of technology at the institution (cameras, tape recorders, televisions, computers, software, networks).
2. To assess the disposition of laboratories, classrooms, offices, and external spaces in which the technical portion of the course(s) can be presented, from within the institution or by satellite link.
3. To determine the level of interest on the part of faculty and administrators in making multimedia part of the proposed course(s).
We are not able, as part of this study, to carry out a training needs assessment of multimedia technology use or administration at Bulawayo Polytechnic. Such a study would be a valuable complement to the current effort. One important outcome of both studies will be a finite list of recommendations for upgrading the technological capability of the institution, at least with reference to the research methods program.
12/29/2002
Dorothy D. Wills, Ph.D.
Professor, Anthropology
Department of Geography and Anthropology
Cal Poly Pomona University