| dc.description.abstract | The research was conducted to examine the cultural tourism practices undertaken by the Batwa communities, assess the contribution of cultural tourism towards the livelihoods of Batwa people and to analyze the factors hindering the contribution of cultural tourism to livelihoods enhancement of Batwa people in Buhoma Town council. The data was collected using document review and questionnaire methods. The study established that the cultural tourism practices undertaken by Batwa include, Hunting demonstration, Dances and folk songs, Fire making, Harvesting honey, storytelling, iron smelting, wood curving, Herbal medicine practices, weaving baskets and showcasing ancient shelter lifestyle. The study revealed that cultural tourism contribution towards the livelihood enhancement of the Batwa people in Buhoma Town Council was reflected through provision of clean water, food, shelter, medical care, clothing, education, Land for settlement and some wage-employment.
Despite the contributions provided by cultural tourism practices, the study found out that some hindrances such as poor infrastructure, language barrier, seasonality in tourism, mismanagement of funds, cultural erosion, competition and marginalization of Batwa people in the community are experienced by the Batwa community. The study therefore recommends the following; developing and improving the existing infrastructures for example roads and pathways leading to different Batwa Communities and sites, continuously providing education sponsorships to Batwa children, compensating and empowering Batwa communities for eviction from Bwindi Park which was their original habitat, further sensitization and training of Batwa people in financial management skills and providing more income generating projects and permanent jobs to Batwa people to address the hindrances. | en_US |
