Karimojong Community Engagement in Wildlife Conservation at Kidepo Valley National Park, Northeastern Uganda

Lucy Chegem Lolem, Ngabo Vallence, Prudence Kemigisha, Viola N. Nyakato
Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies
Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
https://orcid.org/000-000-6794-0919
Email: srlucy2018@gmail.com

Abstract: This study explores the relationship between active participation, emotional attachment, and long-term commitment to wildlife conservation within the Karimojong community in Kidepo Valley National Park, Northeastern Uganda. The objective is to assess how indigenous beliefs and customs can be meaningfully integrated into formal conservation frameworks to enhance biodiversity protection and strengthen community engagement. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was adopted, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Structured questionnaires were administered to 243 Indigenous Karimojong community members to evaluate their levels of active participation, emotional attachment, and long-term commitment to conservation practices. Additionally, five Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were held with government officials and wildlife conservation authorities, alongside five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with Local Council 1 committee members. Quantitative data were analysed using Stata 17, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using NVivo 14. Findings indicate low community engagement in wildlife conservation. The overall mean for active participation was 1.4 (SD = 0.8), emotional attachment registered a mean of 1.4 (SD = 0.7), and long-term commitment also stood at 1.4 (SD = 0.8). These results underscore the need for more structured community engagement strategies in conservation programs. This study contributes to the Continual Engagement Model (CEM) by highlighting the value of integrating indigenous cultural values into conservation efforts. It advocates for a collaborative approach involving both local communities and wildlife authorities, ensuring culturally grounded, inclusive, and sustainable conservation outcomes. The findings call for embedding community engagement into national conservation policies to support long-term biodiversity and livelihood goals.