Assessing the contributions of revenue sharing from Murchison Falls National Park to local communities in Ngwendo Sub County between 2012-2022

Abstract

The study examined the impact of the Tourism Revenue Sharing (TRS) program on local development and conservation efforts in Ngwedo Sub County, adjacent to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda. The primary objective was to assess how these financial contributions have influenced community development and overall well-being. Implemented by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the TRS initiative aimed to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, promote conservation, and enhance community welfare through revenue allocations from park tourism. Since its inception in 2012, approximately UGX 4 billion had been allocated to Ngwedo Sub County, funding various community projects, including capital and livelihood initiatives. Capital projects focused on constructing educational and health facilities, notably the Ngwedo Seed School and the Paraa Health Centre II outpatient department, which enhanced local access to education and healthcare. Livelihood projects, such as livestock rearing, beekeeping, and barrier crop planting, fostered economic empowerment, reduced dependency on natural resources, and minimized wildlife intrusions. The findings revealed that the TRS program positively impacted Ngwedo Sub County, with 68% of respondents reporting job creation and 73% of women noting economic gains. However, challenges persisted, including delays in fund disbursement, insufficient monitoring mechanisms, and community tensions regarding project selection. To improve the TRS program’s sustainability and community trust, the study recommended increased funding, enhanced community participation, strengthened oversight, and additional fencing to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. This research contributed to understanding the role of revenue-sharing in aligning conservation goals with community development, providing insights for policymakers and conservation agencies aiming to balance ecological protection with local socio-economic growth.