Community-Based Tourism Enterprises Performance and Community Attitudes Amidst Changing Demographics: Implications for Community Conservation Outcomes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Abstract

The study examined the influence of Community-Based Tourism Enterprises (CBTEs) performance on community attitudes towards community conservation outcomes like reduced illegal resource use, reduced poaching, protection of gorillas and collaborative wildlife management around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussions involving CBTE owners, CBTE members, Uganda Wildlife Authority Staff and local leaders. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results revealed that CBTEs positively influence community attitudes towards conservation, when communities receive tangible benefits such as income, employment, infrastructure development and social services, they are likely to support conservation efforts. Community involvement in decision-making and equitable benefit sharing were found to significantly enhance positive conservation attitudes, but unequal distribution of tourism benefits and persistent human-wildlife conflicts contributed to negative attitudes among residents. The study concludes that community conservation depends on the good performance of CBTEs through providing socio-economic and environmental benefits, which strengthens positive conservation attitudes. There is a need to strengthen CBTE performance through capacity building, access to conservation benefits, community participation and conservation education to achieve sustainable conservation outcomes.