Profile: Mwenda Sanat Mtaki

The second student from the Sokoine University Agriculture who is in his field attachment at the Butiama Cultural Tourism Enterprise (BCTE) is Mwenda Sanat Mtaki, 24. He is about to commence the third year of the Bachelor of Science programme in Tourism Management.

“In my first year of field attachment I went to the Arusha National Park. I wanted to change the environment, because I initially experienced wildlife tourism but this year I wanted to experience cultural tourism so that I could get a different experience to the one I had the first year, “ says Mtaki. He explains he specifically chose the BCTE for this year's field attachment.

Mtaki's choice to pursue a degree in tourism management has been building up since his high school days. He adds: “Tourism is a sector of the economy that is rapidly growing.”

Mtaki at Butiama.

“Initially the University provides an opportunity for each student to select a suitable location for his field attachment to minimize costs for the student,” he elaborates to explain how the attachments are administered. "It is only when the student fails to find a field attachment with an employer does the University step in to help with the placements.”

It is his first visit to Butiama and he points to some challenges. “We have received suggestions from some of the visitors who want to see some maintenance carried out in some places, for example, on some of the traditional silos, so they can reflect the actual conditions in which Mwalimu [Nyerere] lived.”

“We also receive another challenge from the local community; they have not yet understood the concept of cultural tourism,” he adds.

His visit, he says, has enabled him to acquire a better understanding of traditions of the Zanaki ethnic group.

Why should anyone visit the BCTE? He cites easy access, availability of accompanying services, such as accommodation, and the proximity of other attractions including the Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere Museum, and Lake Victoria.

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