Ecotourism 4

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Tourism and Hospitality Management

Master Thesis no. 2003:65
Ecotourism in Uganda
A Case Study of the Mgahinga National Park
Francis Okello
Graduate Business School
School of Economics and Commercial law
Göteborg University
ISSN 1403-851X
Printed by Elanders Novum
Acknowledgement
I am indebted to a number of individuals without whose efforts this study

would not have been completed in time. Special thanks go to my supervisor
Professor Tommy Anderson. He has been my mentor, and may the almighty
God bless him for his fatherly intellectual guidance one which is very rare.
I equally owe the Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industries, Professor Edward
Rugamayo for the valuable information he offered to me. Our discussion with
him was essential and fruitful.
Thanks to my Father, Joseph Okello for the encouragement accorded to me to
aim higher academically, without his parental care and wisdom, the publication
of these manuscripts would not have been easy.
I am grateful to my elder brother, Christopher Ochen Okello who sponsored my

education. Special thanks to him because of his fatherly heart and proper
guidance. This book is dedicated to his last born -- Jonath Olwa. Special thanks
also goes to my brother, Innocent Oker who partly sponsored my education.
Lastly thanks to those students and parents around the national park who
offered me free information to accomplish the study objectives.
Abstract
This is a case study of Mgahinga gorilla national park in Western Uganda. It is

an attempt to investigate the importance and relevance of ecotourism and assess
the awareness and understanding of ecotourism among the local population.
The purpose of the study are listed below:
1. To assess the awareness and understanding of local community towards
ecotourism.
2. To assess the contribution of ecotourism to the local population.
3. To find out whether the local population has been sentisised on
ecotourism and environment.
4. To find out whether people with higher education have better
understanding of Ecotourism.
The results show that , despite a low number of respondents employed in the
tourism industry, the local population supports the idea of conservation of
wildlife . All the respondents interviewed unanimously answered that they
support the idea of nature conservation.
All 120 respondents asked whether they benefit from ecotourism, answered
unanimously that the benefit either directly through employment in the tourism
industry or indirectly through the sale of goods and services to the tourists and
other employees within the tourism sector.
Illegal activities still go on in the park despite several international
interventions. Respondents had mixed opinion some agreed gave various
reasons to justify their claims, while others respondents did not agree and
justified their opinion. A small number of respondents would not give their
opinion by insisting they are not aware of any illegal activities in the park .
KEYWORDS; investigate the importance, relevance of ecotourism, awareness,
understanding , local residents.
Dedication
To the love of Jonathan OLWA

Table of contents
CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION................................................................................. 9
CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................. 12
ECOTOURISM AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................... 12

ECOTOURISM AND THE ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................ 17
TOURISM AND LOCAL POPULATION ..................................................................................... 24
ECOTOURISM AND UGANDA ................................................................................................ 27
TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................... 29
CONCLUDING REMARKS ...................................................................................................... 35
CHAPTER THREE - METHODOLOGY......................................................................... 37
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ............................................................................................. 37

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY ...................................................................................................... 38
GAME PARKS AND GEOGRAPHICAL AREA OF THE STUDY ................................................... 39
SURVEY ............................................................................................................................... 40
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE STUDY ................................................................... 40
CHAPTER FOUR – EMPIRICAL FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS ................................. 42
EMPLOYMENT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY............................... 43

SENSITISATION ON ECOTOURISM ......................................................................................... 44
ORGANISATIONS THAT CARRIED OUT THE SENSITIZATION ................................................... 45
RESPONSES AS TO WHY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY DO NOT CLOSELY FOLLOW THE SENSITIZED
INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................... 48
BENEFITS OF ECO-TOURISM TO THE LOCAL POPULATION .................................................... 49

ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK ........................................................................................ 52
CHAPTER FIVE – CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS........................... 54
CONCLUSIONS ..................................................................................................................... 54
RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................... 56
REFERENCE LIST ............................................................................................................. 59
APPENDIX I......................................................................................................................... 63
List of tables
TABLE 1: RESPONSES ON THE NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS................................................... 43

TABLE 2: RESPONSES ON THE EMPLOYMENT POTENTIALS OF TOURISM .................................... 43
TABLE 3: RESPONSES ON THE KIND OF SENSITIZATION GIVEN TO THE LOCAL POPULATION ...... 44
TABLE 4: RESPONSES ON EFFICIENCY OF THE SENSITIZATION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO
PROMOTE ECOTOURISM .................................................................................................... 46
TABLE 5: REASONS GIVEN TO JUSTIFY THAT COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOLLOW WHAT THEY ARE
SENSITIZED TO .................................................................................................................. 47
TABLE 6: RESPONSES ON THE BENEFITS OF ECOTOURISM TO THE LOCAL POPULATION ............. 49

TABLE 7: RESPONSES ON THE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES IN THE NATIONAL PARK............................. 52
Chapter one – Introduction
‘This thesis is an attempt to investigate the importance and relevance of

Ecotourism and assess the awareness and understanding of ecotourism
among the local residents.’
Uganda is a country of exceptional diversity, containing the zone of overlap

between the East African Savannah and West African rainforests. The country
has varied habitats, which support a diversity of plant and animal life, making
Uganda rank among the top ten countries in the world in terms of animal and
plant diversity, and specifically diversity of the mammalian species. More
than 18,783 species are known or have been recorded in Uganda. The country
is also privileged because of the forest in the Eastern Democratic Republic of
Congo, known as the Albertan Right of Regional Endemism. The environment
is the basis for economic and social development. All three aspects must be in
balance for economic growth. Wildlife and other biological resources make a
significant contribution to the wellbeing of humanity. This is in terms of food,
commercial activities, medicine, energy, shelter and social and aesthetic values.
The environment and natural resources sector contribute 54.4% of the total
GDP in 1998 and 32% of the monetary and 84% of non monetary. The non
monetary contribution accrues to Ugandans rural poor. In economic terms,
wildlife conservation has been mainly viewed in the light of tourism and its
contribution to GDP. Whenever the national economic situation is being
assessed, environmental values such as contribution of wildlife conservation
and habitat are excluded. The contribution of the sub sector to economic
growth is significantly under valued, leading to low prioritization by the
goverment.In the last 30 years, wildlife has been severely threatened and their
population reduced by poaching and habitat degradation. Wildlife is under
9
increasing pressure of encroachment as a result of the growing human
population in the country, estimated at approximately 3% per annum.
Ecotourism conserves the natural environment and improves the well being of
the local population. There are many examples in Uganda of this type of
tourism contributing not only to the protection of valuable natural resource but
also benefiting the local population and national economy. Ecotourism is
contributing towards the conservation of mountain gorillas and other species in
Uganda as well as improving the well being of the local population who live
near the park. Ecotourism can mean different things to different groups
involved in the relationship between tourism and environment if it is to be
recognized as a legitimate sector of tourism and environment. If it is to be
recognized as a legitimate sector of tourism industry, it must de defined to
universal satisfaction. Broadly speaking it refers to tourism that is based on
nature but that seeks to minimize harmful impact and better still, seeks to
promote conservation.
The concept of variation of definition of ecotourism has been presented by

Miller and as avariety of ecotourism paradigms where, with no pole, all tourism
may be viewed as ecotourism (Orams, 1995). At the high human responsibility
pole, all tourism including ecotourism is contradiction it self. At a low human
level responsibility pole it is thought that human activity need take no
consideration over environment and in this human activity need may be
considered as ecotourism.
These two scenarios are the extremes and are, therefore, somewhat unrealistic,
however, different definitions may be placed along a continuum. Ecotourism in
its purest form is an industry which claims to make a low impact on the
environment and local culture, while helping generate money, jobs and helping
10
to conserve the environment of wild life and vegetation. It provides a way to
help educate the community to protect and conserve the environment through
travel, and also create and maintain a sustainable environment for both
residents and tourists. Therefore the community should be aware of and have a
positive attitude towards ecotourism. Lack of community awareness and
positive attitude to wards ecotourism and the environment is likely to lead to
the depletion of the environment through the type of tourism called mass
tourism, logging, hunting for bush meat and large scale farming. To illustrate
this lack of awareness towards the environment and ecoturism, people who live
around Virunga Mountains, people for whom obtaining sufficient food to
survive, clothes to wear and fuel to cook with is a daily struggle asked some
harsh questions like: “How much is a gorilla worth? What is the value of the
forest? This demonstrates, to a certain extent, the ignorance of some people
towards environment and ecotourism.”
This thesis is an attempt to investigate the importance and relevance of
ecotourism and assess the awareness and understanding of ecotourism
among the local residents
11
Chapter two – Literature review
Ecotourism and Natural Environment
Ecotourism conserves the natural environment and improves the well being of
the local population. There are examples in Uganda of this type of tourism
contributing not only to the protection of valuable natural resources but also
benefiting the local community and national economy. Ecotourism is
contributing towards the conservation of mountain gorillas in some areas as
well as improving the well being of the local population that live nearby.
Ecotourism means different things to different groups involved in the
relationship between tourism and environment.
If it is to be recognized as a legitimate sector of the tourism industry, it must be

defined to universal satisfaction. Broadly speaking it refers to tourism that is
based on the natural environment but that seeks to minimise the harmful
impacts and better still, seeks to promote conservation. Many scholars agree
that ecotourism requires a two way link between tourism and the environment
(Valententine 1993, Carter, 1994).
As the understanding of the close relationships between tourism and

environmental conservation increases, researchers are calling on the ecotourism
industry to incorporate the economic development as a fundamental element of
conservation (West and Breeching, 1991).
These concerns highlight a critical difference between nature tourism and

ecotourism. The latter term will be defined here. Nature tourism is based
directly on the use of natural resources in a relatively underdeveloped state,
including topography, water features, vegetations and wild life (Healy 1998).
12
Ecotourism expands with the increase in parks . There is now a worldwide
nature travel market, with tourists from many countries travelling to destination
in many other countries (Zurick, 1992). Ecotourism has an idealistic agenda,
defined by Drumms (1991)as progressive, educational travel, which conserves
the environment and befits local communities, Few studies assessing the
attitude of the community and visitors towards ecotourism travel were found.
Past studies have mainly concentrated on the evaluation of ecotourism in
different destinations in which achievement of specific conservation and
development principles of ecotourism were discussed (Ross and Well 1999),
(Wallace and pierce 1996). While some have emphasised the definitions and
impacts of ecotourism (Blamery 1997, Walker 1996, Obua and Harding 1997).
Others have examined the roles and responsibilities of different players in
planning or promotion of ecotourism destinations. Except for a few studies that
profile and examine the motivations for ecotourism
(Eagles 1992,) most studies focus on the supply side of ecotourism. Thus, little
attention has been paid to the demand side, which seeks insight. Due to its
extensive coverage of the various aspects of ecotourism, the definition provided
by Honey (1999) will be used to assess the community perception towards it. In
1973, Robert put forward the view that everything seems to suggest that
developing countries look upon tourism consumption as “ manna nom heaven
“that can provide a solution to all foreign settlement difficulties (1973.:1)
To some degree, this description of tourism as a manna from heaven has gained
support, in part because tourism is a highly visible activity.
Critics might argue that the statement is rather absurd, if not over simplistic,
given the well recognized weaknesses of tourism as a visible development
strategy for less developed countries. Whatever the outcome of this particular
debate, Erbes statement and research since then has focused attention on the
13
far- reaching implications of tourism (for example, its strength and limitations)
as being a means of assisting in the process of development. Development in
this context is defined as an improvement in both economic opportunity and
social life in a country and society. Issues refer to the challenges and
opportunities associated with the process of developing tourism.
Policy consideration relates to strategic development scenarios to overcome the

area of concern through prioritizing to formulation a tourism policy. With
respect to many developing countries, tourism is an important and integral part
of the economic development strategy. In many developing societies, tourism is
perceived as a panacea for their fragile economies that are characterized by
scarcity of development resources such as finances and expertise. These
resources are needed to increase economic surplus, without which these
countries are forced to rely on international aid to support development efforts.
Therefore, well recognized benefits of tourism are usually reason advanced or

government supported. The benefits are usually felt at two levels; one is macro
or national level. At the first level, tourism is expected to foster economic
growth foreign exchange earnings and an increase in the state revenue and act
at a second level, in improvement in population well being in areas of job
creation, revenue distribution and balance regional development. In this respect
tourism is described as an industry though it has no single production character
tics or defined operational parameter. Tourism is also multi faceted and its
economic expansion cannot occur without inputs of social, cultural and
environmental nature.
It needs to be stated that as demand for tourism increases, so too will it bring it
not only opportunities of a social, cultural and environmental nature. These
14
consequences, such as crowded airports and urban traffic congestion, affect
both public and private sectors. In these areas, where tourism impacts on
country and society, there may well be conflicts with competing demands for
other sectors of the economy, or with community interests at large.The
Ecotourism concept which has been championed by tourist destinations
globally with a view to changing the big five mammal and developing other
environmentally friendly types of tourism.
Ecotourism is thus an important concept in tourism development. The latter in

includes a strong commitment to nature and sense of social responsibility. In
this respect the present and future are urged to conserve the environment while
the government is committed to strengthening and enforcing anti- poaching and
nature based conservation policies which will ensure the development of
responsible tourism in the country.
It should be noted, however, that ecotourism prefers to use local resources

expertise, which in turn translates into environmentally sensitive pattern and
local participation in the travel industry. Its emphasis on local resources and
employment makes it attractive to developing countries, which though rich in
natural resources are afflicted with rural poverty and lack of export earnings.
The value of biodiversity is more widely appreciated in the whole world.
However, pressure on wildlife and their natural habitats is increasing due to

encroachments of human activities and intensified resource extraction.
Accordingly conservation of biodiversity must be seen within the context of
natural resources, social goals and aspirations.
Tourism has always been considered a vital medium for widening the scope of
human interests. It contributes positively to the maturing and promotion of
cultural heritage of nations. It, therefore ,serves indirectly to improve individual
cultural understanding of both residents and foreigners while at the same time
15
contributing to gross national products. At the local level domestic tourism
creates understanding of attractions, thereby contributing to sustainable
development. The strong awareness of conservation of the environment and
demand by potential travellers translates into increasing demand by an ever
growing number of foreign visitors. Accordingly, there is a need a destinations
in Africa to cooperate more closely in areas of product development, research,
manpower development and training as well as exchanging of tourism expertise
and tourism information.
It is also necessary to harmonise travel formalities within the region so as to

encourage free flow of visitors and maximisation of benefits acquired from
tourism interactions within the region. Indeed such cooperation can be forged
and enhanced within frame the work of existing regional economic groupings
such as common market or eastern and southern Africa (comesa), preferential
trade area (PTA), saddacc, east Africa cooperation. These economic groupings
can play a pivotal role in positioning Africa to be a major player in envisaged
tourism growth. Pearce (1992) contend that tourism attractions do not occur
evenly or randomly in space. Developers and planners are faced with such
practical questions as assessing the feasibility of developing a particular site
from a number of alternatives for a specific project, or the broader evaluation
of an area in terms of its general tourist potential. He grouped the factors
affecting the tourist potential of an area into seven broad categories; climate,
physical conditions, attractions, accessibility, existing facilities, land tenure
use, and other considerations such as availability of regional development
incentives. These factors are interrelated and the categories are not wholly
exclusive. Climate, for example, may be an attraction; the attractiveness of an
area may depend on its access and certain forms of land tenure may be subject
to various forms of constraints. The importance of each of these factors,
however, depends on the type of tourism to be developed, the context and stage
16
of tourism development and the perspectives adopted – that of the developer,
the tourist, and the host community.
Ecotourism and the environment
WTO/UNEP (1994), lists the factors that make an area attractive to visitors.
Growing numbers of vacationers seek recreational activities in warm tropical
countries, They want to see something different, new, spectacular, something to
photograph, Sometimes they want to travel in comfort, with minimal effort and
often they want to mix their adventure with leisure activities such as
sunbathing, swimming and shopping. The most successful tour packages
combine a number of interests; wildlife, local customs, sport, historical sites,
spectacular scenes, food and dancing, and most of all, water. Tropical
rainforests which at first may appear surprisingly devoid of wildlife to many
visitors, can be made more attractive with imaginative presentation; aerial
walkways, board walks, observation towers, interpretation centres, indigenous
people as guides, river running and hides for wildlife viewing. Adopting these
ideas would enable them compete with Africa savannahs in terms of wildlife or
the Himalayas for spectacular scenery.
Inskeep (1991) noted that not all places have equal potential for developing
tourism. According to him, if there are any doubts as to whether an area has
sufficient resources and market sources for tourism development or whether the
benefits of tourism will outweigh the cost involved, then a pre-feasibility study
assessment of the overall potential and relative benefits and costs should be
carried out before proceeding with organizing a tourism project. Such a study
would examine the resources available for tourism and potential tourism
markets of the area, and the likely economic, environmental and social costs
17
and benefits of developing tourism. It would help in determining whether the
benefits would justify the costs.
Tourism development is a problem of matching naturally or historically given

resources with the demands and preferences of actual or potential tourists
(Pearce 1992). However, variety exists in tourists’ demands and preferences
and there is no universal measure of tourist attractiveness, planner to reduce
phenomena of aesthetic or cultural significance to quantifiable magnitudes for
the purpose of comparative evaluation (Pearce 1992). Pearce (1992) argued that
the evaluation of the tourist potential of an area is a complex task and one
where methodologies could be further developed and refined.
A key problem is the comparison and weight of a wide range of parameters for
any attempts to apply mathematical techniques to these multifactor evaluations
without a sound basis for factor weighting is bound to fail in principle. But
when factors can be logically weighted, then quantitative techniques do assume
significance. It should, however, be noted that it is the relative importance of
one location to another, rather than the absolute values, which are initially
important.
18
Namasoga (1999) noted that most of the tourist attractions in Uganda are
almost exclusively ecologically based and that this has made tourism in Uganda
basically ecotourism. The problem of alarming poverty in many rural areas
around the world could perhaps be alleviated if the right formulae were reached
for involving local communities in the tourism process since they control the
ecosystem and can destroy or conserve it.
Tourism being a human activity requires the closest harmony between the
attitude and behaviour of tourists and the local people (Inskeep 1991). Tourism
growth hinges on a number of delicate parameters which are mostly qualitative
in nature, the social professional structures of the local population, their level
of education and knowledge, standard of living, opinions and attitudes
regarding the tourist phenomenon and its cultural and institutional effects.
The attitude of the local people towards ecotourism is an important factor to

consider before carrying out such developments. Inskeep (1991) also contended
that although not quantifiable, a very real attraction for many tourists can be the
friendly, hospitable character of the local residents and more generally, their
tolerance and acceptance of tourists visiting their region. The honesty and
reliability of the residents in their dealings with tourists are also important
factors to consider in determining the potential attractiveness of an area.
Gunn (1994) notes that an areas tourism attraction potential includes nearby
rural areas as well as the cities, within a destination zone. It is likely that the
majority of cultural resources will be found within communities, where as most
natural resources are located in the surrounding areas. It is, therefore, essential
that the developers of tourism communicate with the concerned local
communities if tourism is to develop.
Inskeep (1991) contended that the attraction features of a country or region
19
provide the basis for development tourism; they form the most essential
element of the tourist product. Without substantial attraction features, pleasure-
oriented tourism would not be able to develop. Tourist attractions and activities
can encompass a very wide variety of things, especially because of the great
diversity of interests of today’s tourist markets. At the same time, some
features that residents believe are of great interest, are not so to most tourists.
Therefore, imagination, perspective and objectivity are essential in identifying,
evaluating and developing attractions. Unusual and interesting flora and fauna
can be very important attractions, especially when combined with scenic
landscapes. Animal and plant life conservation is a major issue in many parts of
the world because of various problems, especially the reduction of wildlife
habitat by encroachment of agricultural and urban use and poaching of
protected animals (Inskeep 1991).
Mathieson and Wall (1993) agree that the hunting of animals and more recently
the viewing of and photographing of wildlife are important tourist activities.
The rapid increase in patronage of East African National Parks, the emergence
of substitute Safari Parks in North America, Europe and Australia and the
economic prosperity of zoos bear witness to this fascination with animals. The
quality of observation is of great importance for tourist satisfaction and a high
calibre of experience is most likely to be achieved when a wild animal is
viewed, undisturbed, in its natural environment. Viewing and experiencing the
splendour of African wildlife in a natural setting like KFR, therefore, exceeds
the artificial spectacle experienced in city zoos. Vegetation is one of the major
attractions of many destination areas. It has a great allure for tourists.
According to Mathieson and Wall (1993), vegetation is in fact a primary tourist
resource. This means that KFR has the potential to attract the tourist market.
The overall quality of the environment of a country or region and especially of
the existing and potential tourism development areas is an important
20
consideration in attracting tourists. The environment, in most cases, is narrowly
defined as the physical environment but in this particular case, the social as
well as political environments are also important. The physical environment is
considered to include climate, topography, wildlife and vegetation, coastal and
marine areas, geology, ecological systems and natural resource areas (Inskeep
1991). Many conservationists believe that until local people can place a value
on wildlife and see some direct benefit from it, they will continue to kill and
poach it to help raise their income. If people do not see wildlife as a source of
income, they will destroy it because they need the space for agriculture, pasture
and any other developments that brings direct benefits to them.
There are not many places where benefits have exceeded the costs. Only in
South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe has positive progress been recorded. In
these countries, the law empowers landholders to manage the wildlife on their
farms with minimum government interference (Martin, 1993). They are given
the incentive to retain and manage wildlife on their lands (Child, 1995). Martin
91999) argued that there is a dispute as to whether the landholder or the state
should handle the problem and its cost. Although Spinage (1998) attributed
failures in conservation to human population growth, Martin (1999) argued that
only when the costs and benefits of protected areas are properly internalized in
a single set of accounts, is it likely that the “spaceship community” will result
in the necessary homeostatic mechanisms coming into play to limit population
growth. According to the international convention for protection of nature held
in London in 1933 National Parks are areas in which sport hunting is forbidden,
and capture of fauna and collection of flora are prohibited.
Wild animals have lived together with humans on this earth since time began i
Humans known that except in isolated cases of self defence or when wounded,
rarely do wild animals deliberately attack and kill human beings. They have
learned over the years to fear and respect humans. For instance, when
21
herbivores such as elephants and buffaloes will attack humans in self-defence
or when protecting their young.
Ideally; each piece of land should put to its “highest and best use” that is the
use that generates the greatest net benefits to society. While some benefits of
nature tourism may be relatively easy to evaluate others, such as biodiversity
benefits and future values, are more difficult to analyze (Conrad, 1980).
Benefits from nature tourism can be divided into either local, regional national
or global.
They may include employment opportunities, new markets for locally produced
goods and indirect benefits, such as improved infrastructures associated with
tourism development. They can also be divided into private or public. Private
refer to the financial returns received by those providing tourism services like
lodging, operators, food and equipment suppliers or public benefits referring to
interaction with different people and their cultures.
Sometimes nature tourism is associated with damage or destraction. The best

example is the damage inflicted by wildlife, as crop raiders. This may involve
crops trampled or eaten as well as harm to people, livestock. Other materials
examples include damages to crops by elephants, and predation of livestock by
lions in Africa (Whelan 1990). These indirect costs create local resentment. Not
all opportunity costs will be apparent in standard financial analysis. Nature
tourism may involve restrictions on local use of resources by the local people.
People may not be able to supplement their diet with proteins from wild
animals as they had in the past.
In the past, the needs of self-preservation have taken precedence over those of
the neighbouring population. Natural resources management decisions have
22
often been made without consulting those people whose lives are most directly
affected. Local communities were generally disregarded or actively agitated by
institutions mandated to manage protected areas (Scott1998). Efforts are
currently being made to create an awareness of conservation and to disseminate
social and economic benefits in an attempt to gain the support of neighbouring
populations for local conservation activities. But decision making power still
remains in the hands of external bodies, through national governments.
Ideally, local participation focuses on involving people directly or indirectly in

all stages of the management and decision making process. There is a need to
empower people to mobilize their capacities so that they become be social,
participants rather than passive subjects, in order to manage the resources,
make decisions and control the acts that affect their lives (Well and Brandon
1992). Like any other developing counties Uganda should move away from the
conventional isolationist approach of Park management, which seeks to protect
parks from the surrounding society. A management approach which aims at
putting the management of natural resources and conservation areas under local
control may be the most appropriate approach. This approach emphasizes
collaboration between Park authorities and local communities. It s argued that a
confrontational attitude only sharpens local resentment of wildlife and
encourages local people to draw the conclusion that the government places a
higher value on the survival of wildlife than on people. This attitude became
evident in Lake Mburo National Park in the 1980’s. (Kamugisha and Stahl
1993).
Although in the past local communities were a problem they are at once a
problem and an opportunity for nature tourism. They can, for instance, threaten
the viability of the natural resources on which tourism is based. But if
ecotourism provides the impetus for community development and benefits
23
flowed to the local people, they are likely to support tourism by adding a
cultural dimension and diversity to the attraction. Therefore the relation of local
communities with the protected is important in tourism development.
Covering at least some of the opportunity costs that local communities has the
potential to generate spin-off revenue and employment opportunities for local
people through setting up restaurants, hotels, and local arts and had handcrafts
Revenue can also be obtained from cultural activities such as folk dances,
basket weaving, and other handicraft items which tourists buy as souvenirs
however, localcommunities are over looked players in the ecotourism industry.
They are largely ignored or treated as secondary. Their potential to do aid or
harm the local tourism industry has not been realized in Uganda. Their support
is a possibility when these communities are included in the planning for, and in
sharing the benefits from tourism. Management of local communities’
interaction with protected areas through disincentives and enforcement alone is
not likely to be effective nationally, may be even more costly than management
that includes local participation. Otherwise as, Wesley, (1991) stressed,
Africa’s indigenous people often do not control the tourism infrastructure in
their region and local communities do not experience true economic benefit of
the tourism in their homeland. Most Parks in the developing countries have
been economic enclaves that lack consideration of economic needs of the
adjacent population.
Tourism and local population
The relationship between protected areas and local communities is a key factor
in the long-term conservation of these natural resources in and around these
protected areas. But in many cases, the relationship is more one of conflict
than one of support. Local communities typically perceive the protected area as
24
a burden on their land use. However, conservationists view the growing
population of local people and their basic needs as a major threat to the
conservation of the protected area. This attitude must be changed if protected
areas are to be sustained (Urbano 1995).
A number of development and conservation projects around the world have

tried to transform this conflict into cooperation. However, this has proven
difficult partly because of illiteracy and conflict between traditional and
western approaches to the problem (Urbano 1995).
Since colonial times, wildlife has been considered a public good. Local user
rights were limited and people were often alienated from their land and
resources in the process of setting up of protected areas (infield 1986; Mike
1994). Historically, protected areas imposed high costs rather than high
benefits on most rural people (Mike 1994). Most of this cost was borne by the
local people through alienation from their land and resources and also through
wild animals damaging their crops livestock, and relatives.
Infield (1986), Mc Nelly (1993), Ropetto and Grillis (1988) have all pointed
out that the individual farmer living at the periphery of the national park sees
the park as a source of land, food and fuel as well as a refuge for crops eating
pests. According to McNeely, (1993), the rural people who live closest to the
areas with greatest biological diversity are often among the most economically
disadvantaged and the poorest of the poor.
People living in the vicinity of protected areas have subsistence needs that are
direct opposition to the needs of the park . Not enough attention is paid to the
process of involving local people in decision making and park management.
Thus, management conflict efforts that deal with only certain dimensions are
25
not likely to succeed. Infield (1986) noted that the law enforcement has
historically been the primary means by which protected area managers resolve
conflicts with local people. However, Infield (1986) argued that these laws
were inadequate and often inappropriate. Traditional African relationships
with wildlife were harmonious and sustainable while European and colonial
models were called into question (Hannah, 1992). They were therefore,
replaced with traditional coexistence , western style may not give the expected
output.
Kingdom (1982), Mackinnon et. al. (1986) emphasized that in order to ensure
long term conservation of any natural areas the benefits provided by the
conservation areas in terms of income opportunities, water supply and
protection of erosion must be realized by the local communities. This is
because resources that provided local benefits are likely to be valued and
safeguarded by the peripheral communities (Howard 1991; Fitter 1986; Cutter
1985).
Ron Thomson (1992) defines wildlife as all plants and animals that grow
undomesticated in the world. He continues to say that, wildlife is the main
resource of Uganda’s tourism industry. The industry would loose its major
attractions if it lost its wildlife. Foreigners come to see the herds of game, the
annual migrations of wild beast and zebra and the rare wild animals plus the
abundant bird and marine life. The country has ten national parks and many
reserves where strict conservation policies are in force. The Uganda forest
department with the help of European Union has set up seven forest ecotourism
projects. Gwaya (1999) the Government has also gazetted certain areas with the
main aim of protecting wildlife, thus, promoting tourism in the country.
26
Ecotourism and Uganda
Ecotourism has also put Uganda and other central African countries on the
world map. Most tourists’ attractions in Uganda are almost exclusively
ecologically based, making tourism inevitably ecotourism. Ndyakira Amotti
(1996) wrote that as an example Uganda is already practicing in Bwindi
impenetrable and Mgahinga National parks by limiting the number of tourists
visiting gorillas to twelve people per day. In support of Ndyakira, it was
reported in the Uganda daily leading paper New Vision, Nature Watch Vol. 1
Dec 26 (1997) that the fastest growing segment of Uganda’s tourism industry
is ecotourism. According to ecotourism Forum V1 Uganda (1994), ecotourism
is nature tourism defined as responsible travel that conserves the natural
environment and sustains the well being of the local people. Nature based
tourism is the economic engine of many tropical countries in Africa, the
Caribbean, the pacific and the Indian Ocean Islands.
The ecotourism society agues that ecotourism is not simply a word that needs
defining,but a concept in search of content. Nevertheless, it defines ecotourism
as purposely traveling to natural areas to understand the culture and natural
history of the environment while taking care not to alter the integrity of the
ecotourism while producing economic opportunities that make the conservation
of the natural resources beneficial to the local people. Accepting this definition
recognizes the fact that ecotourism includes more than visits to study animals
and the cultural history of various areas. However the realization of wildlife
and ecotourism has aroused national and international attention.
Uganda today (1996) lists reasons why ecotourism is suitable for Uganda, as
Uganda’s natural resources are ideal for it. There is a niche for it in the East
Africa tourist market, The cash needed to develop it is less and, therefore more
27
easily obtained. Ecotourism benefits the country socially and economically
because it involves local communities plus a larger percentage of the revenue
stays in the country. This is because ecotourists and ecotourism operators are
there environmentally conscious of what they are selling. Ecotourism is a
repeat business; ecotourism also encourages coordinated effort between the
public and private sector.
In Uganda ecotourism is based on the special appeal resulting from a mixture

of varied wildlife species, beautiful scenery, diverse geographical formations,
traditions and customs, rich history, friendly climate and its people. For
ecotourism to have high returns from wildlife, there is need a for vigorous
advertisement Bovee et al (1986) define advertising as anon personal
communications of usually persuasive information about products services or
ideas. Here the information is communicated through various media and paid
identified persons who help to bring in more tourists and hence high
ecotourism earning of the country.
Ecotourism in protected areas should be promoted, encouraged and regulated

and be based on long term planning in order to develop a coordinated protected
areas system and tourism development plan. The natural environment
management policy for Uganda, there is dire need for infrastructure
improvement and facilities. Tourist facilities and services and related
infrastructure are important, hence in tourism related to environment tourism
exhibits two contrasting relationships with the environment. A symbiotic
relationship exists when the interacting sets phenomena are mutually supported
for example the role of tourism in the creation of wildlife parks and the
preservation of historic buildings. In support of the National Environment
Management policy for Uganda, Ziffer (1989) emphasizes that with its mix of
28
business orientation and conservation objectives, ecotourism development
should solicit input form government representatives, local and international
NGOs, tour operations, tourists and residents. She concluded that there is a
strong need for economic analysis for planning of ecotourism projects.
According to Boo (1993) ecotourism will be a successful industry only if

natural resources are protected . Natural resources will be protected if there is a
management strategy in place and park managers and the local communities
take a lead role in the process for both promotion of wildlife and ecotourism.
She further outlines the strategy of ecotourism as being in three phases
In the first phase an assessment of the current tourism situation and potential by
looking at the natural resources and the level of tourist demand is necessary.
Secondly, determining a desirable tourism situation and identifying steps to

reach this situation is needed, The decision as to the best tourism for the area
should reflect a balance among the needs of the visitors, the natural resources,
surrounding communities and host government.
The third phase calls for a strategy that entails promoting it to potential
financiers and provides of technical assistance.
Tourism and Economic development
Both Boo (1993) and Ziffer (1989) underscore the importance of addressing
one of the ecotourism issues; is it economically and financially viable from the
economic stand point? The argument for ecotourism is based on the importance
of tourism as a major source of revenue for developing nations. It enerated as
much as $55 million in 1988 (South Magazine 1989). Worldwide tourism
generated over $20 billion in revenues in the same year, making it one of the
29
largest industries in the world. Edgell (1990) stated that there is also evidence
to suggest that the market for nature tourism is growing although it is difficult
to separate nature tourism figures from other forms of ecotourism. Ziffer
(1989) estimates that $17 billion per year is spent on the natural travel in
developing counties by industrialized countries. In addition, she claims that the
number of the nature tourists is growing by around twenty percent per year.
Linberg (1991) corroborates the evidence by showing an increase of visitors to
Galapagos national park in Ecuador from 7500 in 1975 to 32,595 in 1987.
In support of Boo and Ziffer, Barnes et al (1992) wrote that the most successful
African country in wildlife has been Kenya where tourism earns about 400
million pounds in foreign exchange a year, an income exceeded only by that of
coffee. It is certainly true that most of Kenya’s rural areas as a whole benefit
only slightly because the total expenditure by tourists mainly goes to airlines
and large companies which are often owned by foreigners. However, Barness
(1992) did not indicate in his research whether the local community also
benefit from those earnings, hence a gap.
In addition to Barnes, Myers (1975) claims that, in effect, the local tax payers is
subsidizing the rich. He argues that very little if any of the income received
from ecotourism goes to people living next to reserves, unless they are
employed in the hotel trade or act as guides. Yet they are people who risk their
lives and livelihood for wild animals. It is not surprising that the enthusiasm for
wildlife areas such as national parks is not shared by the ordinary African.
However, Myers (1975) did not show where the income generated from
wildlife goes if its not shared by the local people. He ignored the ways in which
local people benefit from wildlife, such as getting local medicine, collecting
firewood and getting game meat through hunting.
Another economic argument in favour of ecotourism is that it conforms to the
30
initiatives protecting biological diversity by making non-consumptive use of
resources according to Laanoman et al (1987). Using Kenya as an example,
Western et al (1979) maintain that the economic motivation for protecting can
be traced to its need to maintain tourism revenues. Alderman (1990) in fact,
emphasized the need for monetary estimation of conservation benefits
(maintenance of biodiversity and ecological processes and watershed
protection).
In support of Laanan et al, Etringham (1994) stated that it might seem that non
consumptive use of wildlife through game viewing is a proven earner.
However, wildlife tourism is a fickle industry easily subject to vagaries in the
political climate. Any hint of unrest in the country can lead to massive
cancellations. The capital investment necessary to develop the infrastructure for
the tourist industry is very costly and some countries, such as Zambia, suffered
a net loss when they first attempted to develop tourism. He adds that, sport
hunting is a specialized and high cost form of tourism in the tropics but
elsewhere wildlife pays its way in terms of the expenditure on guns, clothing
and licenses. It is more of an elite pastime in Europe but is usually a lucrative
form of land use. Sport hunting in Africa attracts fewer clients than game
viewing but it is much more expensive so the profits are greater per unit of
investment. It is highly profitable and economically sound of land use for
regions lacking scenic attractions or wildlife spectacles which are too dry or
infertile for efficient farming or ranching. However, Eltringham (1994) only
sighted the positive effects of sport hunting and game viewing but did not look
specifically at the negative impacts on wildlife. Hence, a gap is created.
From the surplus for distribution from Zim trust, a local association, each
member of the cooperative received a sum of US $ 29900 which may not seem
much but is a substantial amount in rural income Zimbabwe and its addition to
31
the normal income.
Edhell (1990) proposes the other usual economic argument including

generation of foreign exchange, creation of employment and stimulation of
local economics. Additionally Alderman (1990) claims that, since nature
tourism occurs in rural areas, it can lead to localized economic development in
these often neglected areas. However, a question which arises here is not
whether tourism generates revenue but what percentage of this revenue stays in
the host country? Boo (1993) has expressed concern in this regard saying
tourism involves substantial leakages of income outside the host country. Boo
quotes a World Bank study that estimates fifty-five percent of gross revenue
leaks back to developed countries, thus reducing earning ecotourism and
wildlife.
Robert et al (1985) stated the contribution of wildlife to developing country
diets, is paradoxically both minor and vital. With the exception of the very few
groups which still live by hunting and gathering, people now get enough
calories. Stable wildlife can provide welcome flavour, especially to poor diets
dominated by starchy staples. An important use of fish and their resulting juices
is rich in vitamin B and protein and is an indispensable flavouring, the
equivalent of soy sauce. They further argue that wild animals also provide
skins. Crocodiles, snakes, lizards monkeys provide nice skins which can be
used for business purposes. This implies that, with all the cash revenues earned
from cash sources, wildlife is capable of paying its way. Hence its
sustainability.
He adds that animals also supply a lot of special products, special in the sense
that they have intrinsic value and thus are likely to have buyers irrespective of
the availability of substitutes. The horns of Rhinos are greatly priced in West
Africa where they are made on ornate dagger handles. They are also valued for
32
carving in East Asia, where powdered Rhino horn is used in medicine.
However, Roberts et al (1985) did not foresee the effects that might arise when
local people shift from their original diets to wildlife diets. More so the use of
wild animals’ skins for business purpose encourages the hunting of wild
animals thus reducing their numbers or leading to their extinction thereby
discouraging wildlife to pay its way.
In comparison with wild plants and animals, Roberts et al (1985) claims the
direct contribution of wild plants for developing countries diet is possibly less
dramatic than that of animals. They argue that, indirectly it is at least as great as
in many areas. This is because wild and semi wild plants are the major source
of food, fodder and forage for domesticated animals. Wild plants also provide
the ecological support for most of the animal protein that does not come
directly from the wild. Wild greens also provide vitamin A, a nutrient which is
particularly important in diets low in milk, eggs or liver.
Ingram and Dust (1989) proposed that ecotourism springs from the increasing
market demand for adventure tourism or out door travel. They claim that this
market transferred over $25 billion from developed to developing countries in
1987. They emphasize that ecotourism with its ability to generate foreign
exchange and possibly protect resources needed to sustain the tourism industry
has been embraced as a new industry in a many developing countries.
Unfortunately misconceptions exist about the tourism industry’s ability to
generate sufficient foreign exchange and provide enough income to sustain an
areas economy and governments social programs.
While many authors extol the virtues of ecotourism and wildlife, a number of
critics have been pointed out to its negative impacts. Webley (1991) He
stressed that in Africa, indigenous people often do not control the tourism
33
infrastructure in their region and local communities often do not experience the
economic benefits from tourism in their homeland. Another often noted
criticism is the disparity in earnings between employees of the parks or
reserves and the adjacent population. There is a tendency to create parks in
developing countries that become economic enclaves that lack consideration of
the economic needs of the adjacent population.
Tourism benefits are generally not shared with adjacent populations. Western et
al (1979) note that surrounding communities often lose access to resources
inside the reserves and are worse off than before. Webley (1991) claims that
this is a serious problem in Kenya where the local communities are obligated to
co-exist with wildlife, while receiving little of the benefits generated from
wildlife based tourism.
The Serengeti ecosystem, for example, spans parts of Kenya and Tanzania and
extends beyond the parks boundaries to include communal land where wildlife
co-exists with live stock and other land uses. This land, however, cannot be
subdivided or used for marginal agriculture for the wildlife option to remain
viable. However, this problem can be alleviated if tourism revenues are
equitably shared with local people including employment and other forms of
income generation which may act as a catalyst for wildlife to pay its way. For
example, Mc Neely (1988) states various other incentives such as cash or food
for work, providing improved breeds of livestock to vital communities on
reducing pressure on marginal land best left to wildlife and land tenure as
method to provide compensation to local communities hence paving the way
for wildlife and ecotourism to pay its own way.
Youth (1990) notes that little has been done to determine the ecological
impacts of ecotourism other than raising the cautionary flag that too many
34
tourists will ultimately destroy the resources on which the industry depends,
known as “tourism destroying tourism”. He cited the case of the Galapagos
Islands where hikers trample vegetation and erode trails. The reasons for this
degradation of Galapagos park was that the original management plant for the
park called for a maximum of twelve thousand visitors. Yet when the demand
for the park increased, government officials increased the visitor quota to three
times the original allotment with no regard for carrying capacity concerns
hence discouraging wildlife to pay its way.
Youth (1990) asserts that, the long term sustainability of the resource base of
wildlife and Ecotourism hinges on the ability and willingness of the resource
owner to limit the number of visitors over a given period to a level that will
accommodate the ecological and cultural integrity of the site. Youth, for
example, discusses how local communities around the world are having their
traditional ways of life changed if not destroyed by tourism. Western et al
(1979 how cheetahs and lions have been reported to decrease hunting activity
when surrounded by more than six vehicles. The high carrying capacity ends up
destroying or damaging the resource, discouraging wildlife form paying its
way.
Concluding remarks
According to different authors, Ecotourism has both negative and positive

effect on the local population and the state at large. We learn from Western et
al (1997) that surrounding communities often lose access to resources inside
the park reserves and are worse off than before. Webley (1991) claims that this
is a serious problem in Kenya where local communities are obligated to co-
exist with wildlife, while receiving little of the benefits generated from wildlife
based tourism.
35
Boo (1993) has expressed concern in this regard, saying tourism involves
substantial leakage of income outside the country. Boo quotes a World Bank
study that estimates 55% of gross revenue leaks back to the developed world
there by reducing earnings from ecotourism and wildlife. Myers (1997) argues
that very little of the income received from ecotourism goes to people living
next to reserves, unless they are employed in hotels or act as guides. Yet they
are people who risk their lives and livelihood for wildlife in the reserve.
36
Chapter Three - Methodology
Statement of the problem
Lack of community awareness and positive altitudes to Ecotourism and the

environment is likely to affect the tourism industry in Uganda. Ecotourism is a
new concept and it is the responsibility of tour operators, tourists and wild life
authorities to educate the community on Ecotourism and environment.
“Poaching is devastating the mountain gorilla population; often poachers must
kill the silver back and mother to get a baby Gorilla which is valued because of
its appeal, adoptability and ease of care and transport.
How much is a gorilla worth, what is the value of the forest in which mountain
Gorilla live and the land upon which the forest grow? These may seem harsh
questions but they are asked daily by teaming throngs of people who live
around Virunga mountains, people for whom obtaining sufficient food to
survive, clothes to wear and fuel (usually wood) to cook is a daily struggle.
This demonstrates to a certain extent, the ignorance of some people towards
their environment and Ecotourism (Brandon 1993, Koch 1994).
The over selling of Ecotourism has contributed to the backlash among critics,
many of whom seem to oppose any kind of development, except very small
scale, local, environmentally friendly enterprises.
There is a decry of foreign ownership of tourism facilities. There also worries

about loss of culture. The main problem with most of the criticism, in my
opinion, is that it ignores what is likely to happen in the absence of tourism.
37
People need jobs and want to improve their living standards. The question is
what will people do instead of working in the tourism industry? Logging,
hunting for bush meat and large scale farming, forest and marine habitats are
being destroyed in some areas while some of the wildlife they contain is being
driven to extinction under pressure of hunting, logging, agriculture and fishing.
In areas which have been officially reserved for nature conservation, many
developing countries government lack sufficient funds to manage and protect
them. These areas are being destroyed because they are not fully valued for
their role as the world’s biological reserve.
Purpose of the study
The purpose of the study is noted below:
• To assess the awareness and understanding in the local community

towards Ecotourism
• To asses the contribution of Eco tourism to the local population
• To find out whether the local population has received any education on
Ecotourism and the environment
• To find out whether people with higher education level (senior one to
senior four) have a better understanding of Ecotourism
Note: for study questions, please refer to the appendix I
38
Game Parks and Geographical Area of The Study
Mgahinga gorilla National park, although the smallest in the country (about
33.7) is very important, as it is one of the only two parks in Uganda that offer
habitats for the endangered mountain gorilla. Situated in the Kisoro District , in
South Western Uganda, this park was gazetted in 1991 and is part of the great
Virunga conservation area, which is 434 km. It adjoins Rwanda volcano and
the decocratic Republic of Congos Virunga National parks. Mgahinga gorilla
national park experiences two wet seasons, February to May and September to
December of each. The maximum amount of rainfall in a year is 250
mm(October) and minimum is 10 mm on July.
The Kisoro district is heavily populated with the Bafumbira who lead a simple
lifestyle mainly as cultivators. This is a major ethnic group. The Batwa
(pygmes), who once lived in caves, and fed on wildlife from caves.As you
enter the cave your guide will show you how the Batwa lived and fought out of
caves. Being a mountainous area, the parks experiences Afro mountain
vegetables and a cool climate. The aboundant vegetables is the bamboo 60%,
which is a delicacy to the mountain gorilla, other flora includes the Lobelia,
Haegenia, etc.
Animals found in the park include the mountain gorilla, buffalo, elephants,
bushbucks, the threatened golden monkeys and many others. Examples of birds
include Rwenzori turaco, fiscal shrike, Crowned hornbill, black kite, Auger
buzzard, crowned crane.
Gorilla tracking is the most exciting unforgettable experience, which might

take one through a thick jungle. The Tourist group (The Nyakagezi group)
consists of nine members, 2 silver bucks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2
infants (Tracking can take three to eight nights).
39
Kisoro offers a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from the basic
camp sites to luxurious full board hotels. These include Travellers Rest,Sky
Blue, Mt.Gahinga Rest camp, Virunga Hotels, Mgahinga Safari Lodge,
Rogigane Composite, Mubano Hotel among others.Kisoro is about 540 km
from Kampala (Uganda’s capital) a drive which takes 8 hrs via Kabale. Flights
can be arranged with Eagel Air which has Flights on Mondays to Fridays from
Entebbe to Kisoro.
Survey
A survey questionnaire was used to collect the data from randomly selected
parents and students neighbouring the national park. The researcher had to hire
a person who was well versed in the local language to translate the language
since Uganda has over 54 ethnic groups with different dialects. A total of 120
respondents have been interviewed. 100 of them were parents selected from the
villages of Rukongi, Gisozi; Gitender and Kisoro town. Twenty were students
of Kabinda secondary school to enable the researcher to make comparisons
between those who have some knowledge of ecotourism. It took a researcher
one week and five days to collect the data. The parents in all the villages
mentioned above were very cooperative which made the work of the researcher
very easy. Students from Kabinda secondary school were selected randomly
from senior four and whoever was interviewed was not allowed to mix with
those who were not yet interviewed. During the interview they gave different
answers which helped him to analyse the data.
Problems encountered during the study
40
It would amount to intellectual dishonesty, not to point out the problems
encountered, while collecting the data in the field and the subsequent data
analysis and presentation; the following were the hurdles during the process of
data collection.
• Language barrier, Uganda being a heterogeneous country has over 54
ethnic groups with different dialects. The researcher had to hire
somebody at a cost to help him in the translation of the questionnaire. It
is also true that the translation errors are likely to affect the quality of the
data collected.
• Poaching has been declared illegal by Uganda Wildlife Authority and
punishable on conviction. Most of the respondents suspected that the
investigator could be part of the spy network to nab those involved in
poaching, therefore, the respondents were evasive in answering the
questions directly related to their involvement in illegal activities in the
park. However, the researcher had a thorough introduction at the start of
the interview with the respondents, informing them that he is a student
and that the findings of the study shall be used purposely for academic
advancement. Nevertheless, despite this thorough introduction, there was
still doubt that the introduction was simply “a window dressing” to
cover spy a network.
• The high cost of transport to western Uganda, accommodation and

feeding. All these costs had to be borne by the investigator.
41
Chapter Four – Empirical Findings and Analysis
This chapter presents the findings of the study. The data is tabulated and the
explanations fellow below the tables. It is structured according to the objectives
of the study. Namely, a assessment of the awareness and understanding of local
community on ecotourism, the contribution of ecotourism to local population,
the sensitization of the local community to ecotourism, the relationship
between the level of education and understanding of ecotourism and
government funding of the tourism industry.
The researcher interviewed 100 respondents in total, The area covered included
three parishes namely Rukongi, ‘Gisozi’ and Gitender and one Secondary
school named Kabindi. All these are places are in the vicinity of the national
parks. They were purposely chosen because they were expected to have
information pertaining to the study, which indeed they did.
Demographic Characteristics of the respondents interviewed included that most

belong to large families typical of African families. The smallest was three
family members and the largest was eleven members. This is explained by the
fact that African societies still cherish the extended family system.
42
TABLE 1: RESPONSES ON THE NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS
No of Family Members No of Respondents Percentage

3 05 05%
4 10 10%
5 10 10%
7 05 05%
8 10 10%
9 20 20%
11+ 40 40%
Total 100 100%
Source: Interview
Employment of the local community in the tourism industry
When the local community was asked interviewed whether they work in the
tourism industry, the response revealed that 75% of the people interviewed do
not work in the tourism industry. Teachers only 25% of the respondents work
in the tourism industry.
TABLE 2: RESPONSES ON THE EMPLOYMENT POTENTIALS OF TOURISM
View No Respondents Percentage

Potential 25 25%
No potential 75 75%
Total 100 100%
Source: Interview
Despite the low number of the respondents employed in the tourism industry, the local
population support the idea of conservation of wildlife. All respondents interviewed
43
unanimously answered that they support the idea of nature conservation. This is a step in the
right direction. They must be sincerely applauded by the government of Uganda and more
specifically, the Ministry of Trade Tourism and Industry and by the Uganda Wild Life
Authority.
Sensitisation on Ecotourism
Of all the respondents interviewed, 40% of them confessed that they have not
been sensitised to nature conservation in the promotion of the tourism industry
in the country. However, 60 respondents which represent 60% admitted that
they have been sensitized.
TABLE 3: RESPONSES ON THE KIND OF SENSITIZATION GIVEN TO THE LOCAL POPULATION
No of Family Members No of Respondents Percentage

Conservation of nature 60 60%
Avoid poaching 22 22%
Visitors (tourists). 08 08%
Importance of animals. 06 06%
Benefits of tourism 04 04%
Total 100 100%
Source: Interview
Conservation of nature was the most common type of sensitization given to the
local population. This is important because tourist make Uganda their
destination because of its beauty which should be guarded seriously by all
Ugandans. Any sensitization devoid of nature conservation would be
unfortunate, almost like to tea without sugar.
Illegal activities (poaching); 22 respondents representing 22% interviewed said
that they were sensitised and warned against illegal activities in the parks. Of
course, Uganda is known internationally for it gorilla tourism. Anybody
44
threatening their existence is considered a criminal. The chairman of Uganda
Wildlife termed them terrorists who are killing our rare species of wildlife.
Handling of tourists; 8% percentage of respondents said that they attended

workshops conducted in the country in relation to developing community
tourism products. Here by the locals were trained in setting up tourism craft
shops and producing other products which can antique tourists to spend money
within their localities.
Sensitisation on the importance of animals have also been done. This is

according to six respondents interviewed. Finally, 4 representing 4% said that
they have been sensitized to the benefits of ecotourism. This is evidenced by
the mushrooming of craft shops in the trading centres neighbouring the parks.
Organisations that carried out the sensitization
The following organisations were revealed by the respondents as the ones that
carried out the sensitization; they are namely;
• Uganda wildlife Authority, The Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry

(MTTI), an NGO called CARE, forestry students from Makerere University,
secondary schools especially during geography lessons, Uganda Community
Tourism Association, and Peace Corps volunteers.
Of all the organizations listed above Uganda wildlife Authority received the
highest frequency, followed by Kabindi Secondary School, CARE, Trust, and
Uganda Community Tourism Association in descending order.
45
TABLE 4: RESPONSES ON EFFICIENCY OF THE SENSITIZATION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO
PROMOTE ECOTOURISM
View No of Respondents Percentage

Not effective 02 02%
Not Very effective 18 18%
Effective 80 80%
Total 100 100%
Source: Interview
80% of the respondents said they are following what they have learned. This
answer raises doubt. Most of the respondents thought the investigator was a spy
to nab those involved in illegal activities.
18% respondents could not commit themselves as towhether the local

population really abide by what they have been told. That is why they used
very measured language “not very sure”.
Two respondents, one of which is an employee said that the local community
have not heeded the sensitization and awareness campaign which is why they
are still acting contrary to the laws on protection of the environment.
On a good note, all respondents agreed that gorillas are not interfered with
these days. Even poachers have given up because the game wardens have been
tough on them. This excludes the Batwa tribe who are on the eastern Congo.
Indeed, Mghnga national park retains an image of instability due to the

conflicts within and in the surrounding countries which have been covered by
the foreign press. These, in conjunction with the current terrorist threats have
negatively affected Uganda’s International image to the determent of the
46
thriving tourism industry.
TABLE 5: REASONS GIVEN TO JUSTIFY THAT COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOLLOW WHAT THEY ARE
SENSITIZED TO

• Demarcate 18 18%
• Enormous benefits 52 52%
• Planting trees 20 20%
• Breeding domestic 05 05%
animals
• Beekeeping allowed 04 04%
• Give guidance when ever

they get lost 01 01%
Total 100 100%

Source; Interview
One of the most notable places of evidence towards conservation of nature by

the local community near Mgohinga National Park is that there are enormous
benefits according to the local population either directly through employment
in the tourism sector, or indirectly by selling goods and services to tourists.
Because those benefits, the local population have decided to heed to the advice
of the organizations which have been emphasising the importance of
conservation of wildlife as a prerequisite for promoting eco-tourism in Uganda.
Another point that shows the local population have heeded the teachings of
those organization, is that people are now used to the practice of planting trees
culture, a culture which was previously absent. Indeed, the community
members have been planting their own trees especially bamboo species. This is
a positive step in the right direction.
The fourth reason is that the authorities of the park have decided to demarcate
the area to prevent poachers and those involved in illegal activities from
47
entering the park. Although this implies that authorities failed in the
sensitization to persuade community members from entering the park illegally,
it shows the wall is supplementing sensitization campaign as we cannot rule at
that there are no rogue elements amidst the population.
Fifth, the local population who have relied heavily (solely) on wildlife animals
for meat, have now started rearing domestic animals such as cows, goats,
chicken, pigs, etc. This has drastically reduced their desire wild animal meat.
At the same time poaching has been made riskier than ever before.
Sixthly, the authorities have allowed the local population who are interested in
beekeeping to utilize the periphery of the park. This idea has helped the people
to earn income after selling honey to the tourists and the local consumers.
Responses as to why the local community do not closely follow the

sensitized information
The notable one was that there are rogue elements among the neighbouring
population who are still involved in illegal activities such as poaching, setting
bush fires, and deforestation; The most notorious has been the Batwa tribe who
are in Eastern Congo where there is no authority and no schools. The primitive
cannot listen to sensitization. Rather they listen to the fire power of the game
wardens who have started shooting on sight anybody found poaching rare
Gorilla species which are facing extinction.
48
Benefits of Eco-tourism to the local population
All the 120 respondents asked whether they benefit from eco-tourism, the
answer was unanimous; they benefit either directly through employment in the
tourism sector or indirectly through the sale of goods and services to the
tourists and other employees within the tourism sector.
TABLE 6: RESPONSES ON THE BENEFITS OF ECOTOURISM TO THE LOCAL POPULATION
Benefits No of Respondents Percentage

• Employment. 20 20%
• Boom in hotel business. 42 42%
• Foreign exchange earner. 08 08%
• Development road networks. 07 07%
• Urbanization 06 06%
• Provision of water. 04 04%

04 04%
• Education.
03 03%
• Keeping domestic animals
02 02%
• Local markets
01 01%
• Improve Security
01 01%
• Forestations
01 01%
• Control of soil erosion
01 01%
• Improve rainfall pattern.
01 01%
• Beekeeping.
01 01%
• Improve Health Care system
01 01%
• Medicinal
01 01%
• Sponsorship of further education.
01 01%
Total 100 100%

Source: Interview
49
The most frequently mentioned benefit to the local population is the boom in
The hotel business as a result of the thriving ecotourism in the area. Big hotels
have been constructed recently to respond to the pressures of the increase in
visitors to the park.
The second benefit is, employment in those businesses related to tourism. Most
people are employed in these hotels or they track the gorillas in the park. In this
way the local population is benefiting very much from the industry.
The third benefit is the foreign exchange earnings. This was mostly mentioned
by students of Kabindi S.S, as it is well known that the tourism industry is a
topic in geography syllabus. In class they are taught that tourists bring with
them foreign currencies, which first of all helps to stabilize Uganda’s foreign
market as well as financing imports. This is true, because Uganda imports all
equipment, ranging small machines like bicycles to complex equipment such
as machines used in road constructions.
Fourthly, eco-tourism leads to the development of rural areas to urban centres.

Places which were previously inhabitable now have facilities like electricity,
water, roads.
Fifthly, the government efforts to attract tourists to Uganda’s tourism site, have
formed it to supply towns neighbouring Mgahriga with piped clean safe
drinking water. Indeed the percentage of people with limited access to safe
drinking water has been tremendously reduced. The local population attribute
such success to the presence of a tourism site in their midst.
Sixthly; the education sector got a boost from the tourism sector. Most of the
students interviewed said that their school fees are directly earned from sources
50
related to tourism industry. Others said that some tourists are generous and
extend sponsorship to bright but poor children to pursue their education. Also
the, government has constructed good schools for the children of those who are
employed in the tourism industry. At the same time the local people are also
benefiting from those schools. Therefore, the linkages between the tourism
industry and education sector should be noted.
Keeping of domestic animals; the creation of awareness and sensitization
campaigns made the local population turn to keeping animals. One of the
arguments the poachers were raising was that, they want to eat meat. Now the
authorities gave them alternatives to wildlife meat. Today, through observation
you are able to see domestic animals on people’s compounds, which according
to the resident of Kisoro town was very rare before the Uganda Wildlife
Authority had a firm grip on the poachers.
Emergence of the local markets; As the Uganda Wildlife Authority intensify its
awareness campaigns to make local community responsive to the demands of
the tourism; small scale commercial enterprises are springing up to the
advantage of the local population.
The following group of benefits receive a 1% response from the respondents.

These are improved security in the park in response to the Bwindi massacre of
eight foreign tourists, forestation, control of soil erosion, a reliable rainfall
pattern, Beekeeping, improved health care system, varied species of trees as
sources of medicinal herbs and an improved relationship between the local
population with the park authority on the one hand and with the tourists on the
other hand. Some tourists describe the hospitality of the local population as
very
encouraging for the future of Uganda’s tourism industry.
51
Illegal activities in the park
The respondents when asked whether illegal activities still go in the park
despite several interventions noted above. They had a mixed reaction. Some
said yes and gave various reasons to justified their claims, while other
respondents answered no and justify their opinion. However, a lesser number of
the respondents could not give an opinion by insisting they are not aware of
any illegal activities in the national park.(30%)
TABLE 7: RESPONSES ON THE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES IN THE NATIONAL PARK

• Poaching goes on especially 40 40%
wild pigs
• Felling of trees especially 20 20%
bamboo.
• Destroying environment 10 10%
• No response 30 30%
Total 70 100%
Source: Interview
The illegal activities in the park include poaching, felling of trees, more
specifically bamboo species. Those who said no, explained that recently they
have not heard of cases of poaching gorillas and buffaloes, only wild pigs. It is
thanks to the goodwill and maturity of the local population that the mountain
gorillas, the worlds most endangered ape, are being spared. They are found
only in small portions of protected forests in northwestern Rwanda,
southwesten Uganda and Eastern democratic Republic of Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC).
Finally, those who said that they are not sure, are very busy people who have
52
time to keep track of what takes place in the national parks. However, some of
them could be victims of illegal activities, therefore, fear giving information to
the investigator by mistaking him for a spy to nab those engaged in the illegal
activities.
53
Chapter five – Conclusions and Recommendations
This chapter presents the conclusions of the study based on the analysis of the
findings. The second part contains recommendations that are worth considering
based on the analysis.
Conclusions
• The local community neighbouring Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks

have large families as noted from the interviews with the respondent.
• 25% of the community work directly in the tourism industry.
• Community members support the idea of conservation of wildlife with a

view towards ecotourism in Uganda.
• A greater percentage of the respondents have received sensitization and

awareness on the value of conservation of nature, desisting from
participating in illegal activities, and the importance of domestic
animals.
• The organizations that carry out sensitization awareness campaigns in

the descending order are namely, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Care,
Peace corps volunteers, and the Uganda community tourism association.
• Most members who attended sensitization and awareness campaign tend

to follow the instructions they were given. This is demonstrated by the
fact that, they are now planting trees such as bamboo, breeding domestic
54
animals and beekeeping.
• The local population still involved in illegal activities are the Batwa tribe
who are primitive. They are located in the Eastern Congo .Indeed, the
local population on the Uganda side are not happy with the acts of the
Batwa. The Batwa could be doing this because nature tourism is
associated with damages (Whelan 1990). The best example is the
damage inflicted by wildlife, as crop raiders. This may involve crops
trampled or eaten as well as harm to people on livestock. Other material
examples include damages to crops by elephants, killing of livestock by
lions in Africa. These indirect costs create local resentment.
• The local population have benefited so much from ecotourism in

Uganda. It’s a well know fact that ,wildlife and other resources make
significant contributions of food, commercial activities, medicine,
energy, shelter, social and aesthetic values. On timber forest products
are key subsistence and small scale commercial enterprises. Honey
(1999) confirms that ecotourism benefits both local people and
governments in different ways. According to him benefits are usually felt
at two levels, the first being macro or national level. At this level,
tourism is expected to foster economic growth, foreign exchange
earnings and increase the state revenue distribution and balancing
regional development. At the second level, an improvement in the
peoples well-being in areas of job creation, revenue distribution and
balancing regional development.
55
Recommendations
• The Batwa-pygmes who are a menace to the national park should be

evacuated from the boundary of the park and resettled elsewhere
preferably far away from the park. They should also be invited to the
local council meetings, so that they are sensitized to nature conservation
and its associated benefits. And finally, some of them should be
employed as game wardens to crack down on their colleagues found
poaching.
• The Government of Uganda should improve on the security in the major

tourist areas with a view to correct Uganda’s tarnished image after the
massacre of eight foreign tourists in the Bwindi by the Rwandese (Hutu)
Interhamwe. The Government of Uganda should embark on and promote
Uganda’s unique tourist features, these where it has a higher competitive
advantage. An example would be the mountain gorillas in bwindi and
Mgahinga.
• The Government of Uganda should consider promoting private sector

investment in ecotourism. The professional tourism institution of
learning should be expanded if possible and the private sector should be
encouraged to operate with concessions from the government of Uganda.
• Uganda Wildlife Authority should be adequately funded to fulfil its

objectives of conservation of wildlife through out Uganda both inside
and outside the wildlife protected areas (national parks, wildlife reserves
and community wildlife areas).
Mgahinga gorilla National park, although the smallest in the country (about
56
33.7 km) is very important, as it is one of the only two parks in Uganda that
offer habitat for endangered mountain gorilla. Situated in Kisoro District, South
Western Uganda, this park was gazetted in 1991 and is a part of the great
Virunga conservation area, which is 434 km. It adjoins Rwandas volcano and
the democratic Republic of Congos Virunga National parks. Mgahinga gorilla
national park experiences two wet seasons , Febuary to may and September to
December of each year. Maximum amount of rainfall in a year is 250 mm (
October) and minimum is 10 mm in july.
Kisoro district is heavily populated with the Bafumbira who lead a simple life
style mainly as cultivators, this is a major ethnic group. The Batwa (pygmies)
who once lived in caves are fed on wildlife in caves . As you enter the cave
your guide will show you how the Batwa lived and fought out of cave.
Being a mountainous area, the park experiences Afro mountain Vegetation and
a cool climate. The aboundant type of vegetable is the bamboo 60%, which is a
delicacy to the mountain gorilla, others of flora include the lobelia, Haegenia
etc.
Animals found in the park include the mountain gorilla, buffalo, elephants,
bushbucks, the threatened golden monkeys and many others .Examples of birds
include Rwenzori turaco, fiscal shrike, Crowned hornbill, black kite, Auger
buzzard, crowned crane.
Gorilla tracking is the most exciting unforgettable experience, which might

take one through a thick jungle. The Tourist group ( The Nyakagezi group)
consists of nine members , 2 silverbucks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2
infants( Tracking can take three to eight nights).
Kisoro offers a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from the basic
57
camp sites to luxurious full board hotels, these include, travellers Rest, sky
Blue, Mt. Gahinga Rest camp, Virunga Hotels, Mgahinga Safari Lodge,
Rugigane Composite, Mubano Hotel among others.Kisoro is about 540 km
from Kampala( Uganda capital city) a drive which takes 8 hrs via kabala.
Flights can be arranged with Eagle Air which has flights on Mondays and
Fridays from Entebbee to kisoro.
58
Reference List
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Alister Mathieson And Geoffrey Wall (1993). Tourism; Economic Physical and Social
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Ballanline, Jannifer L and F.J Eagles. (1994). Defining Canadian Ecotourism, Journal of
Sustainable Tourism 2 (1) 1-6.
Buckely, Russel K. (1995). The Elusive Market Profile, Operationalising Ecotourism.

Bureau of Tourism Research Paper Presented at Geography Sustainable Tourism
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Bailey J (1982). Wildlife Conservation. Fort Collins Colorado.
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Driml, S. And M. Common (1995). Economic and Financial Benefits of Tourism In Major
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Protected Areas. Australia Journal of Environment Management.
Douglas Pearce (1992). Tourism Development. Second Edition, Longman Publishers New
York.
Eagles, P.F.J. (1995). Tourism And Canadian Parks, Fiscal Relationships. Management
Leisure 1(1) 16 –27
Eltringham, S.K. (1994). Can Wildlife Pay Its Way? Oryx.
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Dissertation Submitted In Partial Fulfillment For The Award Of A Bachelor Of Tourism Of
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Kamugisha, J.R. And Stahl, M. (1993). Parks And People” Pastoralists And Wildlife.
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the Forest Department of Uganda. Funded By Usaid.
Lea, J. (1995). Tourism and Development In The Third World. Routledge. London.
Mackinnon, J. et al (1986). Managing Protected Areas. Switzerland.
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Ndyakira Amooti (1996). Ecotourism In Uganda. Tourism Today Vol.2 No 1 Uganda

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Shaw H.J. (1985). Introduction To Wildlife Management. Mcgraw Hill Ltd.
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62
Appendix I
Interview questions
1. How many are you in your family.
2. Does any member of your family work in the tourism industry? Yes or No
3. Do you support the idea of conserving wild animals in the park? Yes or No
4. Have you ever been sensitized about Ecotourism? Yes or No
5. What kind of sensitization did you get?

a. Conservation of nature
b. Importance of animals to government.
c. Reporting those involved in the illegal activities.
6. Which Organization carried out the sensitization exercise?

a. Uganda wildlife authority
b. Ministry of tourism
c. NGO
d. Others
7. Do you think the public or local community is following what was discussed in the
sensitization meeting? Yes or No.
8. Please briefly explain your answer to question seven.
9. Is ecotourism helping the local population to improve their welfare? Yes or No
10. What benefits are they getting from ecotourism?
11. Is the local population involved in the illegal activities in this park? Yes or No
63
12. What do you think about those involved in illegal activities in the park?
Bad
Do not mind
Good.
13. Do your family members gain anything from the tourism industry? Yes or No
64

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uk brought to you by CORE

Tourism and Hospitality Management

A Case Study of the Mgahinga National Park

I am indebted to a number of individuals without whose efforts this study

I am grateful to my elder brother, Christopher Ochen Okello who sponsored my

This is a case study of Mgahinga gorilla national park in Western Uganda. It is

To the love of Jonathan OLWA

CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION................................................................................. 9

CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................. 12

ECOTOURISM AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................... 12

CHAPTER THREE - METHODOLOGY......................................................................... 37

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ............................................................................................. 37

CHAPTER FOUR – EMPIRICAL FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS ................................. 42

EMPLOYMENT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY............................... 43

BENEFITS OF ECO-TOURISM TO THE LOCAL POPULATION .................................................... 49

CHAPTER FIVE – CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS........................... 54

REFERENCE LIST ............................................................................................................. 59

TABLE 1: RESPONSES ON THE NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS................................................... 43

TABLE 6: RESPONSES ON THE BENEFITS OF ECOTOURISM TO THE LOCAL POPULATION ............. 49

‘This thesis is an attempt to investigate the importance and relevance of

Uganda is a country of exceptional diversity, containing the zone of overlap

The concept of variation of definition of ecotourism has been presented by

Ecotourism and Natural Environment

If it is to be recognized as a legitimate sector of the tourism industry, it must be

As the understanding of the close relationships between tourism and

These concerns highlight a critical difference between nature tourism and

Policy consideration relates to strategic development scenarios to overcome the

Therefore, well recognized benefits of tourism are usually reason advanced or

Ecotourism is thus an important concept in tourism development. The latter in

It should be noted, however, that ecotourism prefers to use local resources

However, pressure on wildlife and their natural habitats is increasing due to

It is also necessary to harmonise travel formalities within the region so as to

Ecotourism and the environment

Tourism development is a problem of matching naturally or historically given

The attitude of the local people towards ecotourism is an important factor to

Sometimes nature tourism is associated with damage or destraction. The best

Ideally, local participation focuses on involving people directly or indirectly in

Tourism and local population

A number of development and conservation projects around the world have

In Uganda ecotourism is based on the special appeal resulting from a mixture

Ecotourism in protected areas should be promoted, encouraged and regulated

According to Boo (1993) ecotourism will be a successful industry only if

Secondly, determining a desirable tourism situation and identifying steps to

Tourism and Economic development

Another economic argument in favour of ecotourism is that it conforms to the

Edhell (1990) proposes the other usual economic argument including

According to different authors, Ecotourism has both negative and positive

Statement of the problem

Lack of community awareness and positive altitudes to Ecotourism and the

There is a decry of foreign ownership of tourism facilities. There also worries

Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study is noted below:

• To assess the awareness and understanding in the local community

• To asses the contribution of Eco tourism to the local population

Note: for study questions, please refer to the appendix I

Gorilla tracking is the most exciting unforgettable experience, which might

Problems encountered during the study

• The high cost of transport to western Uganda, accommodation and

Demographic Characteristics of the respondents interviewed included that most