Abstract:
Preserving biodiversity is crucial, and Protected Areas (PAs) are essential for this purpose. However, the impact of PAs on local communities’ livelihoods is a critical aspect of conservation efforts. Negative effects on these livelihoods can reduce support for PAs, leading to conflicts as PA managers strive to protect resources that locals depend on. The study presents the findings of research conducted in the Kitabi and Uwinkingi sectors in the Nyamagabe district. The research aimed to investigate the contribution of protected areas in improving the livelihoods of adjacent local communities. Specifically, this study aimed to analyze the benefits shared by Nyungwe National Park to improve the livelihoods of adjacent local communities, to identify the challenges associated with Nyungwe National Park and the local communities, and to propose suitable strategies to enhance the positive contributions of Nyungwe National Park to communities’ livelihoods. The study used questionnaires, field observations, and key informant interviews to gather data. A sample of 100 people from the population participated in the survey. The study showed that communities living near Nyungwe National Park experience both positive and negative effects that influence their attitudes and impact their livelihoods. The park provides benefits to the local communities such as contributing to forest protection, offering opportunities for beekeeping, generating employment, and education, and involving them in ecotourism activities. Also, the findings revealed that there is a weak association between education level and perception of the benefits of the park. However, there are challenges such as crop loss, limited access to resources, displacement, and restrictions on land use that hinder the full potential of the park in improving people’s lives. There was a statistically significant association between proximity to the park and challenges arising from NNP. To enhance the benefits of NNP and improve communities' livelihoods, respondents suggested increasing revenue sharing from tourism, providing employment opportunities to nearby communities, implementing capacity building programs, and improving compensation around the park. The study highlights the importance of the relationship between protected areas and the livelihoods of local communities in conservation efforts. Policymakers and conservation managers need to involve local communities, ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes and fair sharing of benefits.
