Abstract:
The study was carried out with the purpose of determining the effects of local community
participation on cultural tourism development in Bududa district. The objects for the study was: to determine the effects of Coercive participation on cultural tourism development, the effects of induced participation on cultural tourism development, and lastly the effects of spontaneous participation cultural tourism development. The research applied both qualitative and quantitative technique in designing the research. A total of 40 respondents participated in the study and were selected using random sampling method. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and presented using tables, graphs, and pie charts for easy analysis. The research finding revealed that effects of Coercive participation did more of negative discouragement of local involvement in cultural tourism development as well as that of induced participation indicating the local community was partially involved in cultural tourism development. However, on the positive side, the effects of spontaneous participation in cultural tourism development indicated that the involvement of local community in tourism development leads to continuity of in existence as locals will work hard to protect what is their source of employment since they are directly involved hence conservation. The findings also indicated the different roles played by local community towards the development of cultural tourism which were planning, advertising, managing, coordination and many others. Once locals are involved in tourism development, there is always that tendency of cultural conservation and for culture being the major sell item it will always be planned for, managed and advertised.