Extent of local community participation in tourism development in conservation areas: a case study of Mwaluganje Conservancy

Abstract

The genesis and growth of Community Based Tourism Initiatives (CBTIs) in the 1990s was based on their perceived ability to augment community support for wildlife conservation, while ensuring that local communities can participate and gain from tourism development. However, a number of CBTIs in Kenya have failed to meet community and tourism industry expectations. This study examined the extent to which local communities participate in tourism development in the Mwaluganje Conservancy through a community survey and key informant interviews. Community participation was limited and largely confined to giving consent on land utilisation and benefit sharing, and providing views on tourism development to be undertaken. They lacked power to ensure that agreements were implemented. We recommend an alternative tourism development strategy that involves active participation of the key actors in the entire tourism development process