The Challenges of Managing an Archaeological Heritage Site in a Declining Economy: The Case of Khami World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe
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Date
2013
Authors
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Publisher
W. S. Maney and Son Ltd
Abstract
This paper explores the case of the Khami archaeological site, whose degradation by the local communities in recent years was as a result of socioeconomic problems caused by the collapse of the Zimbabwean economy combined with the inability of the Zimbabwean government to support the site. We argue that the negative attitude by the local communities towards the management of cultural heritage sites is embedded in the colonial history of the country, and has been driven by the socio-economic difficulties
emanating from the collapse of the Zimbabwean economy in recent years. We begin by explaining the history of Khami, its architecture, and the local communities residing around it. We then show and assert that the subsequent degradation of Khami and the landscape around it by the local communities is linked to the socio-economic problems of the country and poverty, which emanated from the collapse of the Zimbabwean economy. In the end, we contend that the economic constraints are part of the reasons
why the local communities have from time to time failed to respect the importance of protecting cultural heritage sites in the country.
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Keywords
World Heritage Site, degradation, cultural landscape, local communities, Zimbabwe, economy
Citation
Makuvaza, S. and Makuvaza, V. (2013). The Challenges of Managing an Archaeological Heritage Site in a Declining Economy: The Case of Khami World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe