Local Participation on Community-Based Tourism in Wajee Nature Park, Mukurwe-Ini, Nyeri County

Abstract

Community-Based Tourism takes economic, environmental and socio-cultural sustainability into account. It is managed and owned by the community, for the community, in order to enable visitors to increase their awareness and learn about the community and local ways of life. This research investigated the effect of Local community Participation in Wajee Nature Park towards Community-Based Tourism. Specific objectives included: To identify the factors influencing the local people’s participation in CBT, To assess the levels of local participation in CBT and to establish the perceived impacts of CBT to local participation in WNP. The study is justified because CBT is a potent force in the development of a region and local participation is an important issue that can determine the sustainability of this form of tourism. Both the theoretical and empirical findings are of great help to the academicians and professionals in the study of local participation and CBTD. The research study findings may be instrumental in assisting the WNP management and the stakeholders in preparing and implementing their tourism policy and future plans that would benefit the WNP.  Simple Random Sampling technique was used to select the respondents for questionnaires. Research instruments used was semi-structured and structured questionnaires and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The target population comprised of the local community living within and around WNP.  Data presentation was done using tables, graphs and pie charts. The results showed there is need for  involvement of the locals on conservation and tourism.