Extent of Karimojong Community Livelihood Outcomes Attributed to Wildlife Conservation at Kidepo Valley National Park, Northeastern Uganda

Lucy Chegem Lolem (), Vallance Ngabo (), Prudence Kemigisha () and Viola N Nyakato ()

American Journal of Environment Studies, 2025, vol. 8, issue 1, 40-52

Abstract: Purpose: This study examined the livelihood outcomes attributed to wildlife conservation among the Karimojong communities living around Kidepo Valley National Park (KVNP) in Northeastern Uganda. The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) explored how wildlife conservation affects community activities, assets, and capabilities in the context of pastoralist livelihood outcomes. Materials and Methods: A convergent mixed-methods design was employed to assess conservation-linked livelihood outcomes among the Karimojong community. The quantitative component included surveys with 243 residents from indigenous Karimojong households near Kidepo Valley National Park. The qualitative component involved five focus group discussions with Local Council Committee members from five villages. Additionally, five key informant interviews were conducted with the Parish Priest, Agriculture and Production Officer, Senior Warden Officer, Senior Environmental Officer, and the District Local Council Vice Chairperson. This mixed-methods approach enabled triangulation of community perceptions and lived experiences related to wildlife conservation. Findings: Quantitative results showed that capabilities scored highest, indicating growing awareness and latent agency among the Karimojong, despite systemic exclusion from decision-making. Assets followed, reflecting partial recognition of cultural and ecological values, while activities scored lowest, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with conservation-linked livelihood initiatives. Qualitative narratives revealed land pressure, loss of artistic practices, and exclusion from benefits, suggesting that rising awareness has not yet translated into genuine empowerment. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study highlights a critical gap in conservation policy: The under recognition of intangible assets and the failure to co-develop culturally and ecologically appropriate activities. It contributes to the literature by integrating cultural identity and spiritual loss into the SLF analysis and offering concrete policy insights for more inclusive, community-led conservation.

Date: 2025
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