The perception of socio economic value of ecosystem services, livelihood and development impacts of queen Elizabeth national park by community living nearby in the vicinity in three sub counties of Rubirizi district, western Uganda.

Abstract

The study aimed at identifying the socio economic, value of ecosystem services, livelihood and development impacts of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the surrounding community of Kichwamba, Magambo and Ryeru sub counties of Rubirizi District. The overall objective was to contribute to the knowledge of the economic importance of the park in Rubirizi district and Uganda at large. The study was cross- sectional and used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data, analyze arid present it. The methods of data collection used were interviews, questionnaires and field observations. The data was collected from a sample of 75 (seventy-five) respondents. These were from Kichwamba, Magambo and Ryeru sub counties. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire and by field observations. The study used a combination of market price and the Contingent Valuation Method of valuation to estimate the total economic value of national park in Uganda and from the findings,. it was established that National Parks are of a significant economic importance. Basing on the findings, it is recommended that more resources should be invested protected areas conservation and management so as to maintain good services provided by such areas. More so, further research should be done to enhance the findings of this study.