The role of ecotourism initiatives in improving the livelihoods of the local community: a study of maasai mara game reserve

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess the role of ecotourism initiatives to the local community of Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying desirable ecotourism initiatives occurring within the local community, examining the impacts of the initiatives on local community and finding out the benefits accruing from the initiatives to local community of Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The sample size was drawn randomly from the target population and the study used the descriptive research design. The target population comprised of the local community living adjacent to the Reserve and the game warden sat Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The researcher also considered the collection of both primary and secondary data in the field. Primary data was collected using questionnaires (both open and closed ended) that were administered to 45 members of the community and an interview session to 5 game wardens at Maasai Mara game reserve. It required the questionnaires to be filled and returned on the same day. Secondary data was collected by reviewing both published and unpublished sources such as literature, books, magazines and related journals. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive method. The data was coded using SPSS and Ms Excel to represent data in form of, tables and charts. The results obtained from the study were expected to clearly show that ecotourism initiatives have a role to play within the local community of Maasai Mara Game Reserve.