Contribution of tourism on livelihood of Tharu community (A field study of Bachhyuli village of Ratna Nagar municipality Chitwan)

Abstract

Contribution of tourism on livelihood of Tharu community (a field study of Bachhyuli Village of Ratna Nagar Municipality Chitwan) is a representative vision of the reality. Main thrust of the present study is to compare the socio-economic condition of Tharu community before five years and now, to find out the factors influencing livelihood change of Tharu Community and to analyze the problems and Prospects of tourism development in the study area. This study has descriptive research design. Present study was fetch primary data from the field area. But, secondary data and information has also be used. This study was applied purposive sampling for area selection with respect to sample selection. Out of the total 620 local HHs, 100 were selected. These all samples have drawn by applying simple random sampling method. Interview, observation and key informant interview (KII) are the main tools of data collection technique. 34 percent of 30-45 years age group, 34 percent of 45-60 age group, and 25 percent respondents were 15-30 years age group, Agriculture as a major occupies 38 percent. Similarly, tourism related business (guides, ghee, handicrafts) consisted 13 percent and trade and commerce is the occupation of also 9 percent of the local respondents. Level of education in respondents is not in homogenous background. It is because of the icon of rural life also. It is showed that 25 percent of the total respondents were familiar with tourism whereas 75 percent were not. It clears that majority respondents were unaware on it. It is needed to be aware about tourism sector business for the betterment of tourism industry. Before five years, 31 percent respondents were passive means no jobs, 44 percent were in agriculture, 9 percent were in business, and 16 percent in others job. But now, number of no job people decreased to 16 percent, 28 percent are in agriculture, 22 percent are in business, 6 percent are in foreign employment and rest 28 percent are in others sector. It seems that many people improve their lifestyle by engaging different job. Before five years, 47 percent respondents were unemployed, 34 percent were self-employed, and 19 percent were salaried. But now, only 25 percent respondents said that they have no job, 50 percent are self-employed and remaining 25 percent are salaried in company. From the result, it concluded that level of employment is increased in study area and it is positive change for everyone. Development is the outcome of destruction in a sense. There may be the multiple problems scattered on doing a thing. Likewise Bachhyuli village has more barriers for tourism development also. Based on the local respondents view on it, the following were the major problems and challenges of this area: Lack of information center, Lack of Bus Park, fails to identify new tourist destination, poor road condition, not good health service, lack of translator etc. Chitwan district is also renowned for Jungle safari, rich biodiversity and local indigenous knowledge. However, in the lack of well planning and policy these characters were not in worth. The benefits of the tourism in chitwan have been greatly acquired by the Local people. But, in case of low level of transportation networks facilities there is not satisfied level of benefits to the local communities. It is found that the activities of tourism becomes seasonal there so, all sectors should be developed this area as the destination of land of all seasons. Length of stay of the tourists is moderate so stakeholders should be encouraged to the tourists for long time stay. For this a package program and other related programs should be conducted at local level communities.