Rising above vulnerability: resilience and sustainable livelihood outcomes of national park-adjacent communities in an African biodiversity hotspot

Purpose This study aims at investigating the ways in which resilience to livelihood stressors (shocks, displacement risk and seasonality) could influence sustainable livelihoods outcomes (improved well-being) of national park-adjacent communities in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach With a sample of 364 respondents, data were obtained using a questionnaire survey and analyzed using structural equation modeling – with the aim of establishing the influence of resilience of national park-adjacent communities on their livelihood outcomes. Findings The results show that resilient to shocks and seasonality are the most crucial factors in enhancing the livelihoods of national park-adjacent communities. Building community members’ resilience to shocks and seasonality has been shown to significantly improve the livelihoods of people residing near national parks in Uganda. Originality/value This paper expands the sustainable livelihood literature through an understanding of vulnerable national park-adjacent communities and stresses the influence of resilience to stressors on their livelihood outcomes. The research emphasizes the importance of enhancing community members’ livelihoods with a sharp focus on resilience to shocks and seasonality by integrating resilience strategies into tourism and livelihood policies.