Assessing community knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards tourism development: a case study of Ibanda District

Abstract

Understanding what communitys of a particular location know about and perceive of any development that has an impact on their livelihood is key prior to project implementation. This study focused on assessing the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the communitys of Ibanda district in Southwestern Uganda about tourism development. The objectives were to find out what community know about tourism development and what attitudes and perceptions they have about tourism development in Ibanda district. Data was collected using key informant interviews and structured questionnaires. One key informant and 149 respondents from the sub counties of Ibanda town council, Bisheshe, Nyabuhikye and Ishongororo town council were interviewed. Results indicated that the communitys of Ibanda district were aware of the districts tourism development potential but had limited knowledge about it. In addition to that, results showed that communitys have positive attitudes and perceptions about tourism development. The biggest percentage (65.1%) of the respondents were males and majority had attained secondary level education (39.6%). These findings suggested that the ministry of tourism, wildlife and antiquities should create awareness and sensitize communitys about their home district’s tourism potential, development and avenues for revenue to improve their knowledge , attitudes and perceptions.