Moderating Role of Culture in the Relationship between Community Engagement, Integration, and Livelihood Outcomes in Conservation among the Karimojong in Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda

Purpose: This study explores how cultural context moderates the relationship between community engagement, integration, and livelihood outcomes in wildlife conservation among the Karimojong people near Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda. Materials and Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-methods design combined quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 243 Karimojong community members, five Key Informant Interviews with officials and wildlife authorities, and five Focus Group Discussions with Local Council 1 members. Quantitative data were analyzed using Stata 17, and qualitative data were thematically analyzed using NVivo 14. A moderated mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS Macro (Model 14). Findings: Community engagement significantly predicted integration (B = 0.83, p < .001), which positively influenced livelihood outcomes (B = 0.92, p = .0005). Cultural context directly predicted livelihoods (B = 0.97, p < .001) and moderated the integration–livelihood relationship (B = –0.20, p = .035), indicating that integration’s positive effects diminish in stronger cultural settings. The indirect effect of engagement on livelihoods through integration was more potent at low (B = 0.60) and medium (B = 0.37) cultural levels, but negligible at high levels (B = 0.05). However, the index of moderated mediation was not statistically significant. Qualitative findings supported these results, revealing that cultural exclusion and marginalization hinder integration and reduce livelihood benefits. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Future research should consider cultural dynamics as key moderators in conservation models. Conservation programs should adopt culturally sensitive approaches that promote inclusive decision-making and empower Indigenous communities to enhance integration and livelihood outcomes.