Rural Tourism and Socio-Economic Development in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong District of Uganda
Rural Tourism and Socio-Economic Development in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong District of Uganda
Research Article
Akorio Fred Ariyon1, Turyamureeba Silaji1, Tugume Azarious1, Val Hyginus Udoka Eze2*
1
Department of Educational Foundations, Kampala International University. Uganda.
2
Department of Publication and Extension, Kampala International University.
Uganda.
Article History Abstract: This research explores the interplay between rural tourism and
Received: socio-economic development in Kalapatta Sub County, located within the
19.12.2023 Kabong District. As rural areas globally seek sustainable pathways for
growth, the study focuses on the specific impacts of tourism on the socio-
Revised:
10.01.2024
economic fabric of the community. The research employs a mixed-methods
approach, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative insights
Accepted: gathered through interviews and surveys conducted among local residents,
29.01.2024 business owners, and tourists. Key indicators such as income generation,
employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and cultural
*Corresponding Author: preservation are examined to assess the multifaceted impact of rural tourism
Val Hyginus Udoka Eze on the local community. Preliminary findings indicate that the influx of
Email: tourists has led to increased economic activities, including the growth of local
[email protected] businesses and the creation of employment opportunities. However,
This is an open access article,
challenges such as environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and
licensed under: CC–BY-SA unequal distribution of benefits are also identified. The research sheds light
on the complex dynamics between the tourism industry and the socio-
economic development of the rural community, emphasizing the need for
sustainable and inclusive strategies. The study contributes to the existing
body of knowledge on rural tourism by providing context-specific insights
from Kalapatta Sub County, Kabong District. Recommendations for
policymakers, local authorities, and community stakeholders are offered to
guide the development of strategies that maximize the positive impacts of
tourism while mitigating its potential negative consequences. Ultimately, this
research aims to inform the creation of a framework for sustainable rural
tourism that fosters socio-economic development in a manner that respects
and enhances the local culture and environment.
1. Introduction
On a global scale, international tourism has burgeoned into a nearly two-trillion-dollar industry,
experiencing exponential growth in recent decades. The diverse cultural landscapes across different
regions offer travelers the prospect of immersive multilingual and intercultural experiences, fostering
rich interactions between tourists and locals [1]. This burgeoning interest in the cultures and pursuits
of adventure and independent travelers within the realm of international tourism has captured the
attention of tourism sociologists, social geographers, and cultural theorists [2]. This trend underscores
the significance of international travel not only in social and cultural studies but also, to some extent,
in the realms of linguistics and communication.
Concurrently, there is a noticeable shift in scholarly focus towards discourse and communication,
intricately connected to language, within the field of tourism studies [1]. In economic terms, tourism
permeates various segments of a country's population. The evolving concept of tourism development
has increasingly directed attention towards developing countries, where tourism has emerged as a
pivotal instrument for sustainable development. The multifaceted impact of tourism extends beyond
economic aspects, encompassing opportunities for employment, poverty reduction, investment in
marginalized communities, property access, and lifestyle enhancement [1]. Furthermore, tourism
contributes to non-economic dimensions, such as training, education, skill development, heightened
self-esteem and self-confidence, improvements in health, and overall socio-cultural advancement.
Tourism facilitates the connection of individuals to distinctive geographical sites, fostering public
relationships through the exchange of cultures, civilizations, beliefs, morals, lifestyles, languages, and
wealth. Beyond its economic and cultural dimensions, tourism plays a role in promoting harmony,
enhancing cultural diversity, and mitigating urban migration by generating local employment
opportunities. Communities can assimilate and appreciate the valued aspects of another community's
culture and tradition through tourism. Moreover, tourism has positive ecological implications, as it
emphasizes environmental protection and conservation. The awareness generated by tourism
contributes to funding the preservation of environmental zones [3] [4]. Sustainable tourism
emphasizes the importance of natural sites, prompting government and tourism authorities to
prioritize their development. Preservation of the environment not only benefits the ecosystem but also
enhances the overall quality of life for residents.
2. Literature Review
The comprehensive impact of the tourism industry on South Asia's GDP reached USD 162.4 billion in
2014, constituting 6.8% of the total GDP. Projections indicate a 6.9% increase in 2015. The travel and
tourism sector directly contributed to 26,211,000 employments, accounting for 4.7% of total jobs, and
exhibited a 1.9% growth in 2015 [4] [5] [6] [7]. This study adopts discourse and communication as
focal points, essential components of language and culture, to delve into and comprehend the tourism
experience. The study posits that tourism motivations shape travel expectations, subsequently
influencing tourist behavior. The goal is to examine how these expectations impact behavioral aspects
and tourism discourse, interacting with the behavioral and cultural dimensions of the host society to
ultimately define the tourists' experience [2] [8] [9] [10]. The argument posits a reciprocal influence,
acknowledging that while tourists bring expectations that guide behavior, host societies and their
cultural norms can alter the anticipated tourism discourse, potentially influencing the fulfillment of
expectations and, consequently, determining the overall travel outcome [7].
To explore these experiences, the study focuses on the tourism communication and discourse
encounters of tourists. Emphasizing tourism as a social psychological phenomenon [7] proposed that
the shared experiences of tourists within a specific context can be better understood by considering
the social and psychological factors shaping these experiences. Moreover, [3] suggests that tourism
planners should analyze tourist behavior from a psychological perspective. While existing research
primarily concentrates on intercultural training for tourists, predominantly using quantitative methods
[8] [11] [12] [13], this study underscores the importance of social identities, tourist learning, and the
engagement of tourists with locals in the tourism discourse, as these factors significantly impact the
overall tourist experience. Given the neglect of these factors in prior tourism research, there is a
compelling opportunity to investigate their effects on the tourism experience. This opportunity forms
a solid foundation for a qualitative, specifically phenomenological inquiry. The belief is that by
capturing the narratives of tourists within a specific setting, common underlying themes may emerge,
facilitating a deeper understanding of the essence of these experiences in the given context [10] [11]
[14] [15].
32
Akorio Fred Ariyon, Turyamureeba Silaji, Tugume Azarious, Val Hyginus Udoka Eze.
Rural Tourism and Socio-Economic Development in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong District of Uganda.
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 31-38, April 2024. DOI: 10.36079/lamintang.jhass-0601.606
The language barrier within the tourism industry in Uganda, particularly in Kalapatta Sub County,
has impeded effective communication between local and international tourists. Despite the significant
contribution of tourism to the national product and government revenue, this hindrance has adversely
affected both local tourists and individuals employed in the tourism sector. Moreover, Kalapatta Sub
County faces unemployment challenges, and tourism has the potential to alleviate this issue by
fostering the establishment of various businesses such as hotels, resorts, and touristic sites.
Secondly, the underdeveloped transportation infrastructure, including roads and communication
systems, poses a critical problem for tourism in Kalapatta Sub County. Despite its natural beauty, the
lack of satisfactory transportation options hinders tourists' satisfaction. Safety concerns further
complicate travel to the area, and the limited availability of accommodation facilities, including
guesthouses, motels, and hotels, forces tourists to resort to uncomfortable alternatives or curtails their
stay. The inadequate communication and transportation systems, coupled with the absence of a
railroad and poor road conditions, contribute to frequent road accidents and an outdated traffic
system.
Owning to all these challenges, this paper aims to investigate the impact of the tourism industry on
the socio-economic status of the people in Kalapatta Sub County, Kabong District, with a focus on
addressing the identified problems to enhance the overall tourism experience and economic outcomes
for the local community.
3. Methodology
This section of this paper is subdivided into research design, Study population, sample size and
sampling techniques, research instruments, procedures of data collection and finally, data analysis.
Research design
This research adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis and
qualitative insights gathered through interviews and surveys conducted among local residents,
business owners, and tourists.
Study Population
This study comprised 254 respondents which is made up of 4 field managers and 250 residents in
Kalapata Sub County Kabong District, Uganda. The study selected beautiful sceneries in Kalapatta
Sub County Like Hotels, Crafts and craftsmen and other natural resources in Kalapatta Sub County
Kabong District, Uganda. 70 respondents which comprised 04 field managers and 66 respondents
were sampled using Purposive sampling techniques.
Socio-Demographic Characteristics
The characteristics of respondents included gender, age and level of education. These were presented
in detail in Table 1.
33
Akorio Fred Ariyon, Turyamureeba Silaji, Tugume Azarious, Val Hyginus Udoka Eze.
Rural Tourism and Socio-Economic Development in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong District of Uganda.
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 31-38, April 2024. DOI: 10.36079/lamintang.jhass-0601.606
The responses from the Table 1 on socio demographic characteristics indicated that 59% of the
respondents were males whereas 41% were females. The responses also indicated that 28% of the
respondents were between 20-30 years where as 47% were between 31-40 years. The responses also
indicated that 15% were within the range of 41-50 whereas 10% were of 51 years and above.
The responses also showed that 65% had attained education up to a Bachelor level, 17% had
attained up to a diploma level, 13% had attained certificate whereas 5% had no education. The table
indicates that the majority of respondents 73.3% had attained a level in education and hence knew
how to read and write. A least percentage 5% of the respondents had no education.
Discussion of Objectives
Respondents were asked to give their views on the tourist attractions in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong
District. The results were summarized in the table below given by all respondents.
Table 2. Rresponses on the Tourist Attractions in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong District
Statements 1 2 3 4 5
Natural Attraction. Nature
physically, such as flora, fauna, 5 10(12.5%) 1(1.25%) 0 2 (2.5%)
and natural creatures such as (6.25%)
mountains, beaches, marine,
lakes, forests, etc.
Cultural Attraction. 4 (5%) 7 (8.75%) 2 (2.5%) 1(1.25%) 1(1.25%)
Human Attraction. Human 7 8 (10%) 3(3.75%) 0 0
activity motivates people to come (8.75%)
and watch the activity such as
racing.
Personal Event. 6 (7.5%) 3 (3.75%) 2 (2.5%) 2 (2.5%) 1(1.25%)
From Table 2 findings, 5 (6.25%) agreed, 10 (12.5%) strongly agreed, 1 (1.25%) disagreed and 2
(2.5%) were not sure about the statement that natural Attraction was among the types of tourism.
Nature physically, such as flora, fauna, and natural creatures such as mountains, beaches, marine,
lakes, forests, etc.
34
Akorio Fred Ariyon, Turyamureeba Silaji, Tugume Azarious, Val Hyginus Udoka Eze.
Rural Tourism and Socio-Economic Development in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong District of Uganda.
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 31-38, April 2024. DOI: 10.36079/lamintang.jhass-0601.606
The findings also showed that Cultural Attraction is among the tourist attractions. This was
supported by all respondents 4 (5%) agreed, 7 (8.75%) strongly agreed, 2 (2.5%) disagreed 1 (1.25%)
strongly disagreed and 1 (1.25%) were not sure with the given statement.
7 (8.75%) agreed, 8 (10%) disagreed and 3 (3.75%) strongly disagreed that human
attraction is also a tourist attraction. Human activity motivates people to come and watch
the activity such as racing.
6 (7.5%) agreed, 3 (3.75%) strongly agreed, 2 (2.5%) disagreed 2 (2.5%) strongly
disagreed and 1 (1.25%) was not sure that Personal Event is also among the tourist
attractions
Table 3. Responses on Tourism and its Impacts on the Livelihood in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong
Statements 1 2 3 4 5
Income from employment. Income from
employment comprises receipts for 6(7.5%) 8(10%) 2(2.5%) 0 2(2.5%)
participation in economic activities in a
strictly employment-related capacity
Property income. Property income is the flow
of receipts that arise from the ownership of
assets (return for use of assets) that are 2(2.5%) 7(8.75%) 3(3.75%) 1(1.25%) 3(3.75%)
provided to others for their use.
Income from the household production of
services for own consumption. Income from
the household production of services for own
consumption includes services produced 4(5%) 6(7.5%) 3(3.75%) 2(2.5%) 3(3.75%)
within the household for the household’s own
consumption rather than for the market.
Home production for own consumption. 5(6.25%) 3(3.75%) 1(2.5%) 0 3(3.75%)
Income from life insurance, annuities and
private pension funds 4(5%) 2(2.5%) 1(1.25%) 1(1.25%) 1(1.25%)
Income from employment. Income from
employment comprises receipts for
participation in economic activities in a 3(3.75%) 4(5%) 0 0 0
strictly employment-related capacity
Agree-1, Strongly Agree- 2, Disagree-3, Strongly Disagree-4, Not Sure-5
From the study findings, 6 (7.5%) agreed, 8 (10%) strongly agreed, 2 (2.5%) disagreed and 2
(2.5%) were not sure with the statement that income from employment was also a major source.
Income from employment comprised of receipts for participation in economic activities in a strictly
employment-related capacity.
The findings also showed that Property income. This was the flow of receipts that arise from the
ownership of assets (return for use of assets) that are provided to others for their use. This was given
by all respondents 2 (2.5%) who agreed, 7 (8.75%) strongly agreed, 3 (3.75%) disagreed 1 (1.25%)
strongly disagreed and 3 (3.75%) were not sure with the given statement.
4 (5%) agreed, 6 (7.5%) strongly agreed 3 (3.75%) disagreed, 2 (2.5%) strongly disagreed and
3(3.75%) were not sure that income from the household, production of services for own consumption
was also source of income from households. Income from the household production of services for
own consumption included services produced within the household for the household’s consumption
rather than for the market., 5 (6.25%)agreed, 2 (2.5%) strongly agreed, 1 (2.5%) disagreed 4 (5%)
agreed, 3 (3.75%) strongly agreed, 1 (1.25%) disagreed 1 (1.25%) strongly disagreed and 1 (1.25%)
were not sure that income from life insurance, annuities and private pension funds is also a source of
35
Akorio Fred Ariyon, Turyamureeba Silaji, Tugume Azarious, Val Hyginus Udoka Eze.
Rural Tourism and Socio-Economic Development in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong District of Uganda.
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 31-38, April 2024. DOI: 10.36079/lamintang.jhass-0601.606
income among households unlike 3 (3.75%)agreed and 4 (5%) strongly agreed, that Income from
employment. Income from employment comprises receipts for participation in economic activities in
a strictly employment-related capacity.
Table 4. Responses on Ways of Improving the tourism industry in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong
Statements 1 2 3 4 5
Extensive advertising using stamps posters, 4 (5%) 6 (7.5%) 2 (2.5%) 1 1
films and media such internet should be (1.25%) (1.25%)
carried out
The responsible authorities should 6 (7.5%) 3 2 (2.5%) 3 0
discourage and prevent the burning and (3.75%) (3.75%)
clearing of vegetation in areas surrounding
the national parks and game reserves.
Government should upgrade security in their 5 3 3 1 1
respective countries so as to attract more (6.25%) (3.75%) (3.75%) (1.25%) (1.25%)
tourists
Roads and other means of transport which 3 4 (5%) 2 (2.5%) 1 0
lead to tourist attractions should be (3.75%) (1.25%)
improved.
Countries must diversify from traditional 1(1.25%) 1 5 4 (5%) 1
tourist attractions of national parks and game (1.25%) (6.25%) (1.25%)
reserves to activities such as sports and
entertainment.
From the study findings, 4 (5%) agreed, 6 (7.5%) strongly agreed, 2 (2.5%) disagreed, 1 (1.25%)
strongly disagreed and 1 (1.25%) was not sure about the statement that Extensive advertising using
stamps posters, films and media such internet should be carried out.
Based on the statement “The responsible authorities should discourage and prevent burning and
clearing of vegetation in areas surrounding the national parks and game reserves. “6 (7.5%) agreed, 3
(3.75%) strongly agreed, 2 (2.5%) disagreed, 3 (3.75%) strongly disagreed. “Government should
upgrade security in their respective countries so as to attract more tourists” This was given by
respondents who 3 (3.75%) agreed, 4 (5%) strongly agreed, 2 (2.5%) disagreed, and 1 (1.25%)
strongly disagreed with the statement. From the table findings, 1 (1.25%) agreed, 1 (1.25%) strongly
agreed, 5 (6.25%) disagreed, 4 (5%) strongly disagreed and 1 (1.25%) were not sure about the
statement that Countries must diversify from traditional tourist attraction of national parks and game
reserves to activities such as sports and entertainments.
From Table 5 findings, 5 (6.25%) agreed, 10 (12.5%) strongly agreed, 1 (1.25%) disagreed and 2
(2.5%) were not sure about the statement that natural Attraction was among the types of tourism.
Nature physically, such as flora, fauna, and natural creatures such as mountains, beaches, marine,
lakes, forests, etc.
The findings also showed that Cultural Attraction is among the tourist attractions. This was
supported by all respondents 4 (5%) agreed, 7 (8.75%) strongly agreed, 2 (2.5%) disagreed 1 (1.25%)
strongly disagreed and 1 (1.25%) were not sure with the given statement.
7 (8.75%) agreed, 8 (10%) disagreed and 3 (3.75%) strongly disagreed that human attraction is
also a tourist attraction. Human activity motivates people to come and watch the activity such as
racing.
6 (7.5%) agreed, 3 (3.75%) strongly agreed, 2 (2.5%) disagreed 2 (2.5%) strongly disagreed and 1
(1.25%) was not sure that Personal Event is also among the tourist attractions. The findings are in line
with Some of the variables that are used to measure tourist motivations include „to visit historical and
cultural sites‟, „to seek adventure‟, „to relax‟, „to get close to nature‟, „to get away from home‟, and
„to be active‟ [12] [16] [17]. Although tourists themselves are not inclined to categorize themselves
into fixed and well-defined typologies, academics and marketers alike find it more convenient to treat
tourists as belonging to different categories in order to study and reach out to them in a more orderly
fashion.
36
Akorio Fred Ariyon, Turyamureeba Silaji, Tugume Azarious, Val Hyginus Udoka Eze.
Rural Tourism and Socio-Economic Development in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong District of Uganda.
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 31-38, April 2024. DOI: 10.36079/lamintang.jhass-0601.606
5. Conclusions
In conclusion, the research identified natural, cultural, and human attractions as key factors drawing
tourists to Kalapatta Sub County in Kabong District. Additionally, income from employment emerged
as a significant contributor to the area's tourism sector, encompassing earnings derived from
participating in employment-related economic activities. Property income, arising from the utilization
of assets provided to others, was also highlighted in the findings. The study recommends a strategic
approach to tourism promotion through extensive advertising, utilizing methods such as stamps,
posters, films, and online media, including the Internet. The research further advocates for responsible
environmental practices, urging authorities to discourage and prevent the burning and clearing of
vegetation around national parks and game reserves. Emphasis is placed on the need for governments
to enhance security measures in their respective countries to attract more tourists. Moreover, the study
suggests diversifying tourism offerings beyond traditional attractions like national parks and game
reserves to include activities such as sports and entertainment.
37
Akorio Fred Ariyon, Turyamureeba Silaji, Tugume Azarious, Val Hyginus Udoka Eze.
Rural Tourism and Socio-Economic Development in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong District of Uganda.
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 31-38, April 2024. DOI: 10.36079/lamintang.jhass-0601.606
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