Contribution of CBT to the Livelihoods of the Adjacent Households in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area, Uganda

Community-based tourism plays a very vital role in the livelihoods of households adjacent to protected areas. The study examined the link between household economic activities and tourism and the contribution of QECA resources to the livelihoods of the adjacent households in western Uganda. The study is underpinned by the theory of participation. An exploratory research design with a blend of qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted and data collected using a structured questionnaire and key informant interview question guide. Six hundred respondents from community-based tourism (CBT) groups were interviewed and the data were analyzed in SPSS. Results revealed that tourism created employment and business opportunities for group members. Average monthly incomes from tourism related activities ranged from UGX 150,000 (USD USD 40.2) to UGX 2.5 million (USD 681). Value of household assets ranged from UGX 30,000 (USD 8.17) to UGX 9.6 million (USD 2.615). CBT members provided services such as tour guiding, accommodation, motor cycle transport, sale of food, hand crafts and souvenirs. Local communities need to be empowered through capacity building to engage in sustainable CBT activities. Future research should be undertaken on cost-benefit analysis of CBT before upscaling the practice to other parts of the country.