The commoditization of Culture for Rural Tourism in Tanzania

In recent decades, tourism industry has been increasingly recognized as having the economic potential to contribute to reduction of poverty in developing countries. Its geographical expansion as well as the fact that it is labour intensive in nature, account for this potentiality. The industry can spread employment opportunities especially in rural areas in post-colonial Africa. However, while policy makers, academics, economists, media pundits and development partners are overly focused on the idea of poverty to the detriment of not only other wealth creation initiatives but also the destruction of indigenous cultural values. This book provides critical analysis of the pros and cons of commoditization of culture in rural Tanzania like many other post-colonial African societies. The dominant paradigm of free market economy today succumbs to various economic challenges globally. The book provides economic significances of cultural tourism but at the same time the author reminds the readers not to turn a blind eye to the effects of such commoditization. Its fabrication may lead to the destruction of the social fabric of the society.