The Effect of Tourism Activities on People’s Welfare: A Case Study of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Tourism is widely regarded as one of the fastest-growing sectors contributing to economic growth and social transformation, particularly in developing countries. In Uganda, tourism is a leading foreign exchange earner, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and community development. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is globally renowned for mountain gorilla trekking, eco-tourism, and conservation initiatives.
The communities surrounding BINP largely depend on subsistence farming, yet tourism has increasingly influenced their livelihoods through employment opportunities, improved infrastructure, conservation benefits, and cultural exchange. However, tourism can also lead to challenges such as cultural erosion, increased cost of living, and human–wildlife conflicts. Understanding the balance between benefits and costs is essential for evaluating the impact of tourism activities on the welfare of local communities.
1.2 Problem Statement
Despite tourism’s contribution to Uganda’s economy, there is limited empirical evidence on how tourism activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have impacted the welfare of the local people. While proponents argue that tourism has improved income, education, and healthcare services, critics highlight negative outcomes such as displacement, environmental degradation, and inequalities in benefit distribution. This study therefore seeks to investigate the extent to which tourism activities influence the welfare of the people living around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
General Objective
To examine the effect of tourism activities on the welfare of the people living around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Specific Objectives
To assess the economic impact of tourism activities on local livelihoods around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
To examine the social and cultural effects of tourism on the surrounding communities.
To investigate the environmental implications of tourism activities on local welfare.
To explore the challenges faced by communities in benefiting from tourism initiatives.
1.4 Research Questions
How have tourism activities contributed to the economic welfare of local communities?
What are the social and cultural impacts of tourism on the people around BINP?
What environmental effects of tourism influence community welfare?
What challenges do communities face in maximizing benefits from tourism?
1.5 Scope of the Study
Geographical Scope: The study will focus on communities surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in South-Western Uganda.
Content Scope: The study will concentrate on economic, social, cultural, and environmental effects of tourism on community welfare.
Time Scope: The research will examine tourism developments and their impact over the last 10 years (2015–2025).
1.6 Significance of the Study
Policy Makers: Findings will inform government and Uganda Wildlife Authority on strategies for equitable benefit-sharing.
Local Communities: Insights will guide communities in maximizing opportunities from tourism activities.
Academia and Researchers: The study will contribute to existing literature on tourism and rural development in Uganda.
Conservation Agencies and NGOs: Results will help design sustainable tourism interventions balancing conservation and community welfare.
Chapter Two: Literature Review
2.1 Theoretical Review
The study will be anchored on the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, which explains how access to resources and opportunities influences household welfare. The framework is relevant in understanding how tourism activities provide or constrain financial, social, human, and natural capital for local people.
2.2 Empirical Review
Studies in East Africa show that community-based tourism generates employment and diversifies household income sources.
Research around national parks in Kenya and Tanzania reveals that tourism enhances access to education and health facilities but sometimes leads to cultural commodification.
Ugandan studies indicate that while tourism at BINP creates revenue-sharing programs and infrastructure, the benefits are not evenly distributed, leaving some households marginalized.
The reviewed literature underscores both positive and negative impacts, highlighting the need for context-specific investigations in Bwindi.
Chapter Three: Methodology
3.1 Research Design
The study will adopt a descriptive case study design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
3.2 Study Population
The target population will include local households, tourism employees, local leaders, and Uganda Wildlife Authority staff around BINP.
3.3 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques
A sample size of approximately 120 respondents will be selected using purposive and stratified random sampling to ensure representation of different stakeholder groups.
3.4 Data Collection Methods
Questionnaires: For households to gather quantitative data on welfare indicators.
Interviews: With key informants such as UWA officials, tour operators, and community leaders.
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): With community members to capture perceptions and experiences.
Document Review: Secondary data from UWA reports, NGOs, and previous studies.
3.5 Data Analysis
Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS and presented in tables, charts, and graphs. Qualitative data will be thematically analyzed to capture emerging patterns and narratives.
3.6 Ethical Considerations
The study will ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation. Approval will be sought from relevant authorities before data collection.
Expected Outcomes
The study is expected to:
Reveal how tourism influences income, employment, education, and healthcare.
Identify social and cultural transformations linked to tourism.
Highlight environmental benefits and challenges from tourism activities.
Provide recommendations for sustainable and inclusive tourism development around BINP.
