Economic value of recreational services at the edge of Bwindi impenetrable national park, a case study of Buhoma site, Kanungu district, western Uganda.

Abstract

The study aimed at estimating the economic value of recreational services at the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A case study of Buhoma site in Kanungu District, Western Uganda was used to generalize this value to the entire park. The overall objective was to highlight the importance of recreational services in and around Bwindi impenetrable national park. An occasional study type was done on the site and the study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data, analyze and present it The methods of data collection used were interviews, questionnaires and field observations and later analyzed with different statistical packages. The data was collected from a sample of 70 (Seventy) respondents found at the site at the time of the survey. These included both Ugandan and foreign visitors to the park. The study used a combination of the Travel Cost Method and the Contingent Valuation Method of valuation to estimate the total economic value of beach recreation in Uganda and from the findings, it was established that beach recreation activities are of a significant economic importance. The economic value of recreational services of BINP in this study was estimated at USD (UGX 199,384,761.6). Basing on the findings of the study it is recommended that local communities be fully involved in the management of the BINP and investment into the park be boosted especially in renovation to, enhance its beauty and increase recreational value. Key Words: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Travel cost method, Contingent valuation method, Beach Recreation, Total Economic value