Community Perception and Attitudes Towards Tourism Development in Rimoi National Reserve, Kenya

Abstract

Tourism development in Rimoi National Reserve has been expanding, yet little research has examined how local community perceive its impacts and how these perceptions influence their attitudes towards tourism development. This study aims to address this gap by examining the perceptions and attitudes of residents towards tourism development in the reserve. The study employed a Mixed Methods approach within a pragmatic paradigm and a convergent research design. The target population consisted of 548 household heads in the Rimoi community. The sample size included 231 household heads selected using systematic random sampling, and 10 resident youths selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected using survey questionnaire and a focus group discussion. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, means, standard deviations, and hierarchical multiple linear regression, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Quantitative findings showed that tourism's economic (β =.148, p<.05) and socio-cultural impacts (β =.452, p<.05) positively influence community attitudes toward tourism development. However, environmental impacts have a negative effect (β = -.126, p<.05). Qualitative findings revealed that residents had mixed attitudes toward tourism development in Rimoi National Reserve, appreciating its economic benefits like job creation but fearing environmental harm and unequal gains. While some embraced cultural exchange, others were concerned about tradition loss and social inequalities. The study concludes that economic, environmental and social-cultural tourism impacts have a significant impact on community attitudes towards tourism development. The study recommends the development of sustainable tourism initiatives that prioritize economic benefits and community well-being, implementation of environmental conservation programs, and promotion of socio-cultural exchange and understanding between tourists and the local community. The results of this study have invaluable implications for policy and tourism management and practice in the development of targeted interventions for sustainable tourism development.