Addressing Socio-economic Challenges around BMCA Using the SAPA Methodology
Blog | 5/10/21
First piloted around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in 2019 and later scaled up to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (by FFI in collaboration with IGCP), the Social Assessment for Protected Areas (SAPA) methodology according to Henry Mutabaazi, Uganda Country Coordinator gathers grass root information that gives a clear picture of the positive and negative impacts that affect the wellbeing of park-edge communities, right from conservation to development related activities of protected areas.
Findings from a recent house hold survey around BINP reveal a couple of interesting socioeconomic issues in the park edge community as well as the benefits that come with dwelling
next to the park. Negative findings include; Human Wildlife Conflict rated at 63%, noncompensation for crop damages 58%, inequitable distribution of job opportunities 42%, movement of livestock through the Park 37%, high traffic volume on the roads 32%, slow response to community issues by Uganda Wildlife Authority staff (30%), School dropouts linked to tourism activities (17%) and finally cultural deterioration caused by tourist activities
(13%). On the other hand, the findings highlighted the following positives; climate modification by Bwindi (67%), Revenue sharing funds (40%), Improved market for local produce (25%), Improved Human Wildlife Conflict Strategies (24%), Direct income from tourists (22%) and
Improved access to water (21%), among others.
In order to share these findings with the respective stakeholders IGCP and FFI conducted several site meetings with District local government leaders, Uganda Wildlife Authority and park-edge communities around Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area. The participants jointly appreciated the findings and together they brain stormed on practical solutions to address
them, for instance; UWA was tasked to put in place a quick compensation plan, while the community members were advised to invest in retooling the youth with hospitality skills to tap into the tourism industry. The SAPA methodology is credited for bringing stakeholders together to discuss and seek solutions for key park-edge socio-economic challenges and for improving park – community relations.
