The Role Of Local Communities In The Management Of Natural Resources In Protected Areas A Case Study of Mt.Elgon National Park In Kapkwai Parish, Chema Sub-County Kapchorwa District

ABSTRACT

The research was conducted in Chema Sub County particularly in Kapkwai Parish in

Kapchorwa District. It deals with the roles of local communities in the management of

Mount Elgon National Park. The objectives of the study were to find out the reasons as why the locals participate in the management of the national Park, levels of participation, benefits derived from park management by both the park authorities and local people, problems / constraints encountered and the solutions advanced.

Data was obtained from the field through the use of questionnaires, direct observation,

and regular visits to the study area and personal interviews. Like all research work, the

researcher encountered several problems during the study. The major handicaps being

misconception of research intentions, financial constraints and language barrier since the

area of study composed of different tribes.

From the study, it is found out that the major reasons for local communities’ participation

in the management of the park are mainly income generation, lack of arable land, cultural

links, education and lack of alternatives. It is therefore recommended that there is need

for provision of alternative sources of income, capacity building, and motivation, use of District Planning system, in order to curb the problem