The impact of tourism revenue sharing on communities surrounding National Parks:

Abstract

This study examined the impact of tourism revenue sharing on communities surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with a focus on Mushorero and Nyamishamba villages in Uganda. The objectives of the study were; To assess NP Revenue sharing and local communities’ attitude towards communities of Mushorero and Nyamishamba, To evaluate the Implementation of NP revenue sharing and its impact on community development at Mushorero and Nyamishamba and To find out the relationship between NP Revenue sharing and community development around Bwindi impenetrable National Park. The researcher applied both qualitative and quantitative techniques in designing the research 36 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 study further found that the implementation of revenue-sharing projects had contributed significantly to community development, though challenges such as limited participation, delays in fund disbursement, and poor monitoring remained. A strong relationship was also observed between effective revenue-sharing practices and the socio-economic development of local communities. However, the effectiveness of the program depended heavily on inclusivity, transparency, and consistency in project execution. The study concludes that while the NPRS program has had a positive impact on local development and conservation support, improvements are needed in governance, community engagement, and sustainability measures. Recommendations include enhancing transparency, involving marginalized groups, improving monitoring systems, and expanding the scope of revenue sharing to include more sustainable livelihood initiatives. The findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, conservation practitioners, and development planners aiming to balance conservation goals with community development in protected areas.