Abstract

Ngeno Vincent, Rop Wendi, Langat B., Korir M. K. and Kipsat M. J.

The local community is one of the most important stakeholders in tourism development. Local people could participate in tourism through policy and planning process; benefits sharing or owning community projects. However, in most instances, private benefit of conservation to individuals, households and even entire community are not made clear or may be non-existent. This research examines the level of participation by communities around Saiwa Swamp National Park, created primarily for the protection of the rare Sitatunga antelope in Rift valley Kenya. Chi-square test, ANOVA, t-tests and correlations were performed in order to investigate, if there is a direct relationship between residents' participation variables and support for tourism. In general, there is a direct relationship between involvement in decision-making and support of tourism.