![research header image](/awei/sites/default/files/styles/banner/public/2024-04/awei_research_header_v01.png?itok=79yoj_zY)
![Front cover of research document](/awei/sites/default/files/styles/medium_screenshot/public/2024-04/pdfa1.png?itok=92VHPuTP)
Assessment of the Framework for Tourism Revenue Sharing Schemes in Uganda.
A case of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, South Western Uganda
This report presents findings on a study that assessed the framework for tourism revenue sharing schemes in Uganda: A case of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), South Western Uganda. Adopting a cross-sectional design, the study a) ascertained communities’ perceptions of the benefits of tourism revenue sharing (TRS), b) measured the relationship between tourism revenue sharing and livelihoods, c) determined the effect of TRS sharing projects on socio-economic well-being and e) investigated challenges associated with processes of tourism revenue access, management and monitoring among 367 respondents from frontline communities in villages bordering BINP. The tourism revenue sharing schemes investigated were; the 20% gate collection fees paid by tourists and the US$10 gorilla levy fees shared in parishes bordering Kanungu, Rubanda, and Kisoro districts. Preliminary findings indicate that (72.4%) of the 367 respondents who were involved in tourism-sharing programs propose changes in the tourism revenue-sharing legal framework to ensure efficiency in the implementation, monitoring, and management of Tourism Revenue Sharing Projects around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (r = .784, P˂0.05). There was a significant relationship between the construction of schools, and the socio-economic well-being of communities bordering BINP (β = .164, P<0.05). Fewer health centers were supported through TRSF, and this negatively affected expenditure in terms of income spent by communities bordering BINP on healthcare services (β = -.098, P<0.05). At the household level, involvement in TRSPs resulted in an improvement in household income by directly addressing household needs by 73.5% (r=0.735, P<0.05) and indirectly improving income by 89.5% (r=0.895P<0.05). The main challenge associated with TRS processes around BINP is delays in the disbursement of funds from the local government to implement and monitor TRSP at 52%. Communities around BINP suggested that future investments in TRSPs should focus on road construction (30%), and construction of more classroom blocks at the different schools within the frontline parishes (17.71%). Based on the findings, the following strategic recommendations are proposed: 1. Uganda Wildlife Authority should manage the Tourism Revenue Shared Funds (TRSF) rather than disbursing TRSF to the Local Government. This shall require an amendment of the legal framework governing tourism revenue-sharing schemes in Uganda. 2. District Procurement Committees should involve communities in procurement processes and decisions on the choice of projects to be supported under TRSF. This could require amended of the project procurement processes at the different levels. 3. All stakeholders should actively get involved in TRSF management and monitoring processes to avoid delays in the disbursement and implementation of agreed-upon projects between Local Governments and the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Rusoke, Taddeo. (2023). Assessment of the Framework for Tourism Revenue Sharing Schemes in Uganda. A case of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, South Western Uganda..
-
Dr Taddeo Rusoke
Senior Fellow
We support the free flow of information. Please share:
More content
-
Scaling up Africa’s elephant economy
Dr Michael Musgrave…Introduction African elephants have provided valuable products that have been traded across the world for thousands of years...
2024Briefs -
African Rhino Conservation - Interacting Influences
Mr Michael 't Sas-Rolfes…Conserving terrestrial megafauna presents distinct challenges to policymakers. Despite decades of evolving regulatory measures, wild rhinoceros populations remain...
2024Research -
World Oceans Day: Awakening Africa’s Blue Economy
Dr Francis VorhiesThe theme of World Oceans Day 2024 on 8 June is “Awaken New Depths”. A key topic is the…
Articles -
AWEI Updates May 2024
Mrs Emily TaylorAs the Wildlife Economy Institute (AWEI) continues to grow and expand its reach, we have decided to produce…
Articles -
AWEI's role in the Biodiversity Plan for Life on Earth
Dr Francis Vorhies22 May 2024
Through a landscape approach to the development of Africa’s wildlife economy, we are part of…
Articles -
Importance of private and communal lands to sustainable conservation of Africa's rhinoceroses
Dr Hayley Clements…A new path for rhinoceros (rhino) conservation is needed... We aggregated African rhino population data, highlighting the growing...
2023Research -
Sustainable Use: A Contentious Promise
Ms Mara GlasA Case Study on International Funding of Consumptive Sustainable Wildlife Use in South Africa's Biodiversity Economy In South...
2022Research -
Collaborative governance models of wild product value chains for conservation and livelihood resilience
Mr Thapelo Brilliant LebopaSustainable utilisation of wild products, such as non-timber forest products, wild meat, and medicinal plants, requires governance models…
Articles -
SA’s new biodiversity strategy is a key move away from colonial fortress conservation
Prof Brian Child…It was disappointing to read an article in Daily Maverick that sought to “ring alarm bells” about a…
Articles
Get updates by email
Through impactful research, stakeholder engagement, and professional development, AWEI is supporting the wildlife economy across Africa. Please subscribe for occasional updates on our work and forthcoming events.
Sign up for a quarterly dose of AWEI insights
In a complex and changing world, AWEI generates strategic ideas, conducts independent analysis on wildlife economies, and collaborates with global scholar-practitioners to provide training and expertise for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and inclusive economic opportunities in Africa.