Contribution and attitude of local people towards the status and conservation of Tooro Botanical Gardens, Fortportal City, Western Uganda

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the contribution and attitude of local people towards the status and conservation of Tooro Botanical Gardens Fort Portal City (TBG), Western Uganda, focusing on their attitudes, contributions, and the challenges they face. The objectives were to; assess the threats to TBG and the attitudes of local people towards TBG, document the plant species and their conservation status, and assess the challenges faced by local people as they participate in the conservation and management of TBG. A sample size of 60 respondents was obtained using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a questionnaire, direct observation checklist, interview guide, and botanical book and analyzed in SPSS. A slight majority of respondents (51.7% male and 48.3% female) demonstrated positive attitudes toward the gardens, with 33.3% rating their attitude as "very good" and 28.3% as "excellent." However, a significant portion of the community (46.7%) was not fully familiar with the activities conducted at TBG, highlighting a need for greater outreach. The survey revealed that while a significant proportion of the community holds positive attitudes towards TBG, issues such as resource theft (30.0%) and land encroachment (21.7%) are major challenges that threaten the garden's sustainability. respondents highlighted various threats to TBG, such as urban development (13.3%) and climate change (8.3%), reflecting broader environmental concerns that could impact the gardens' long-term sustainability. Despite these challenges, a significant proportion of the community (42.0%) supported the idea of private ownership and management of TBG, citing potential benefits such as enhanced community pride and identity. The study also identified various plant species within TBG, categorizing them by their conservation status, with some species marked as endangered or vulnerable. Despite a general awareness of the gardens’ importance, gaps in community engagement and knowledge were evident, particularly among those less familiar with TBG activities. Respondents suggested several measures to enhance conservation efforts, including awareness campaigns, workshops, and increased community involvement. The study recommends addressing financial constraints, improving security, fostering community participation, and implementing adaptive management strategies to mitigate threats such as climate change and urban development. The long-term preservation of TBG requires coordinated efforts between gardens' management and the local community, emphasizing the importance of these interventions.