Livelihoods Diversification Through Community-Based Ecotourism In Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Abstract

Community-based ecotourism (CBE) plays an important role as a community development tool for many rural communities in developing countries. In Malaysia, for instance, rural communities in Malaysia have been given the opportunity to upgrade their socio-economic status through engaging in CBE activities. This paper explores the host community’s perceptions towards CBE as a livelihood diversification strategy and their motivations for participation. This study adopted the qualitative research approach using in-depth interviews and observation methods to collect primary data. The study unveils some interesting insights based on two themes: (1) perceptions of the host community towards CBE as a livelihood diversification strategy and (2) motivations of participation in CBE by the host community. The local communities that were involved in CBE activities acknowledged that ecotourism provides an opportunity for them to diversify their income despite having to rely on fishing as their main livelihood activity. The study recommends that development agencies may play a significant role to encourage the local community to actively participate in ecotourism for their livelihood enhancement. In doing so, the sustainability of the ecotourism may be safeguarded and can motivate the local community to suppor ecotourism as a development tool.