Sustainable Livelihood and Rural Tourism Development: A Case Study of Bhola District in Bangladesh

Abstract

Tourism is widely acknowledged as a tool of community development, while the role of rural tourism in securing sustainable livelihoods gained traction in contemporary rural tourism scholarship. Scholars recognized the role of community capitals and/or livelihood assets as a mediating force for activating the transformation of rural livelihoods. Evidence indicates that marginalized communities face capacity constraints, where institutional actors frequently serve a mediating and catalytic function. The role of community capitals and/or livelihood assets is commonly used to conceptualize how the rural livelihood can be shaped by utilizing such capitals, and often the analytical frame evolved by connecting several governance mechanisms, introducing community-based participative approaches, and even connecting institutional mechanisms. In this regard, the critical impacts of the capitals on community livelihood have been investigated in numerous studies; however, the internal influence of these capitals remains largely unattended. To address this research gap, this study investigated which capitals play the transformative role and activate remaining community capitals. Accordingly, this study examined which capitals play the transformative role and thus facilitate sustainable livelihood. From the literature, six capitals or livelihood assets (natural, human, social, built, economic, and institutional) were considered for investigation within a case context of Char Kukri Mukri, situated in the Bhola district of Bangladesh. Using a qualitative approach, the study applies the Sustainable Livelihood Framework for Tourism (SLFT) to a remote case study location named Char Kukri Mukri, Bangladesh. Findings demonstrated the role of institutional capital as a decisive factor in the rural context, while highlighting the role of institutions and NGOs in educating residents, raising awareness, facilitating market access, and providing the practical support necessary for community members to engage in alternative livelihoods such as tourism. This study utilized 27 semi-structured interviews to address the primary research objective. Findings from conducting thematic analysis of the qualitative data show that institutional (formal) and social (informal) capitals perform a vital transformative role by systematically (re)connecting and mobilizing the four foundational capital bases, such as natural, human, built, and economic, in a destination such as Char Kukri Mukri. The findings specifically underscore the instrumental role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in facilitating the transition toward tourism as a viable and sustainable livelihood alternative. By acting as intermediaries, these organizations bridge the gap between local marginalized populations and broader economic opportunities. Ultimately, the insights derived from this research offer significant viii value for place-based development planners and policymakers, providing a nuanced understanding of how supportive institutional frameworks can be leveraged to foster positive and equitable livelihood outcomes within vulnerable rural populations. These insights offer practical implications for development planners and policymakers seeking to design supportive interventions that enhance rural resilience and inclusive tourism development.