Potential Of Tourism Development and its Contribution To Community Livelihoods In Kakumiro District.

Abstract

Tourism has considerable potential to promote local economic development and diversify rural livelihoods; however, many tourism resources in emerging destinations remain inadequately documented and developed. This study assessed tourism development and its contribution to community livelihoods in Kakumiro District, Uganda. Specifically, the study documented existing tourism resources, evaluated their potential for tourism development, examined their contribution to community livelihoods, and analyzed challenges affecting tourism development. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires from 133 respondents, while qualitative information was obtained from 20 purposively selected key informants, including district officials, cultural leaders, local council leaders and other stakeholders. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative findings were analyzed thematically. The study identified diverse tourism resources, including religious pilgrimage centers, cultural and historical sites, natural and scenic resources, agritourism resources, community-based attractions, and memorials and monuments. Respondents rated cultural and historical uniqueness (M = 3.98, SD = 0.99) and domestic tourism potential (M = 3.95, SD = 0.97) highly, while marketing and promotion received a low rating (M = 2.42, SD = 1.18). The main livelihood contribution was the sale of goods and services and livelihood contributions differed significantly across categories (χ² = 54.98, p < .001). Lack of tourism awareness and poor infrastructure were the leading development challenges, with significant variation among reported challenges (χ² = 67.16, p < .001). The study concluded that Kakumiro possesses substantial but underdeveloped tourism potential capable of complementing existing rural livelihoods. It recommends improved tourism awareness and marketing, infrastructure development, tourism product packaging, investment, conservation and stronger community participation.