Water resources and rural tourism in Sub-Saharan Africa: Perceptions, potential, and poverty alleviation

Sub-Saharan African rural communities possess unique tourism resources, including water bodies. However, water resources in these communities are rarely viewed through the lens of tourism. This paper explores the multifaceted role of water resources in fostering rural tourism development and alleviating poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It examines rural communities’ beliefs and attitudes toward water resources, investigating how these perceptions influence their potential as tourism assets. A systematic literature review was conducted, synthesising peer-reviewed publications, reports, and other documentary materials focusing on the nexus between water resources, rural tourism, and community development. The findings highlight that water resources in Sub-Saharan Africa’s rural communities are primarily perceived through a subsistence lens, serving physiological, agricultural, and spiritual needs. However, deep-seated myths and legends often generate fear and hinder water-based recreational and tourism activities. Despite these challenges, water resources such as rivers, lakes, and deltas hold considerable untapped potential for promoting sustainable rural tourism, diversifying rural economies, and reducing poverty. The study underscores the importance of reframing water as a valuable tourism asset while respecting indigenous knowledge systems. By integrating water resources into rural tourism strategies, communities can achieve significant socio-economic benefits, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger).