Abstract:
Rwanda’s Tourism Revenue Sharing (TRS) program, designed to redistribute tourism income to local communities near Volcanoes National Park, has had a significant impact on the livelihoods of residents. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the TRS initiative through a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. The research sample included 192 participants, equally divided between Gataraga and Kinigi sectors, providing a comprehensive assessment of the program's outcomes. Findings indicate that the majority of local residents have a strong understanding of the TRS program and view it positively, particularly regarding its contributions to community development. However, some concerns were raised about limited involvement in conservation activities, despite receiving program benefits, suggesting a need for deeper community engagement in conservation efforts. The study also documented substantial improvements in local infrastructure and services as a result of TRS investments. In both sectors, respondents highlighted enhanced educational facilities, with 53% in Kinigi and 47% in Gataraga attributing new school construction to TRS. Similarly, improved access to clean water was noted by 51% of respondents in Kinigi and 46% in Gataraga. Access to electricity increased as well, reported by 57% of respondents in Kinigi and 48% in Gataraga. Additional improvements were observed in transportation infrastructure and conservation initiatives. Overall, 90% of respondents acknowledged the positive impact of TRS on their livelihoods, with many reporting increased participation in conservation activities. The study recommends that efforts be strengthened to raise awareness of TRS projects across all park-adjacent communities, ensuring equitable benefit distribution and promoting greater community involvement in conservation activities. This would help address existing concerns and enhance local support for the progra
