Historical perspectives of community involvement in tourism and conservation activities in Eastern Rwanda: A study at the Akagera National Park in the fifteen years following the 1994 genocide

Abstract

This article investigated the Eastern Rwanda community's involvement in tourism and conservation activities in and around Akagera National Park. The study aimed at exploring the extent of community involvement in tourism development and conservation activities in Eastern Rwanda in 2009, following the 1994 devastating genocide. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from local communities, while interviews were conducted with key participants from the RDB (Rwanda Development Board) Tourism and Conservation Department, and other local government officials. The study found that local communities adjacent to the Akagera National Park have been marginalised by RDB-TC and that they are not happy with the treatment received from RDB-TC. The article argues that for RDB and the Government of Rwanda to better manage the natural resources within the Akagera National Park in order to promote tourism and community development, a participatory approach must be adopted to provide adequate powers to local communities in the decision making process.Keywords: Akagera National Park, community conservation, community involvement, Eastern Rwanda, Rwanda, tourism, tourism developmen