Tourism resource distribution and development in Uganda. a case Of Bwindi impenetrable National Park.

Abstract

The study was undertaken to link tourism resource distribution and development of communities neighbouring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The specific objectives were; to describe the tourism resource distribution mechanism at Bwindi Impenetrable National park, to determine the local people’s attitudes and perceptions on the current management approach of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, to assess the challenges of the existing community- park management system at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, to determine the solutions to the challenges of the existing community- park management system at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This study used survey design. Secondary data in addition to primary data were gathered through interviews with key informants and Questionnaires. The respondents were chosen through simple random sampling. The research established the hierarchy of Revenue Sharing of funds. The process of implementation is looked at by community members as a challenge and a limitation to their involvement and benefit. The results revealed improved agriculture, lack of infrastructure and few revenue sharing projects have greatly changed local people attitude towards park management. The local people perception towards the management was greatly changed by benefit rendering modality, tourism projects and benefits. The major challenges included Corruption, Crop raiding and limited information flow. These were reported as the most attributed key hindrances to harmonize resource distribution and development needs to the neighboring communities near Bwindi impenetrable national park. The local members made suggestions to some challenges faced by the park. UWA needs to consult the community members before planning resource distribution, control of crop raiding, increase more funds, land provision for farming, support small business and improve security in communities. Recommendations included that People require a direct linkage between UWA and benefiting local communities to avoid delays and funds leakage, strengthen monitoring and reporting on how decisions are made among others.