| dc.description.abstract | A few studies have explored Knowledge, attitude and perceptions of local communities regarding biodiversity conservation around national parks in Uganda. Yet to effectively engage communities and address both community and conservation needs, it is important to understand local Knowledge, attitude and perceptions of the communities towards conservation. Therefore, this study assessed the Knowledge, attitude and perceptions of communities around Lake Mburo national park regarding the biodiversity conservation program. The study was guided by objectives; to identify community conservation measures that have been under taken to conserve Lake Mburo National Park, to examine the community’s knowledge attitudes and perceptions towards community conservation measures under taken to conserve Lake Mburo National Park, and to examine the factors influencing the community participation in community conservation of Lake Mburo National Park. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collections were used in data collection and as ample of 190 respondents from communities around the park were randomly sampled while and five key informants that included warden conservation and guides were purposively sampled. Data was later analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results indicated major conservation projects started around Lake Mburo National Park as Rwakuku bee farming, valley dam digging, and Kakagatu tree nursery. Community members participated in these projects through nursery bed preparations and selling of trees, sensitization of the local community members about conservation, beekeeping, and the harvesting and selling of crafts and souvenirs. Results revealed that local community lives in harmony with Lake Mauro’s wildlife, community has started eco-tourism projects, positively participates in conservation-based projects which all culminated into positive attitude toward the park. Lastly results indicated that factors such gender and age were the major factors influencing community participation. Other factors included the experience of livestock predation and compensation for the livestock. As the results, the study recommended a need to promote equitable community conservation planning and management so as to accelerate community-based development and community conservation benefits need to be reviewed and practically translated into action for effective participation, and decision-making. | en_US |
