Impact of Covid 19 on the Performance of National Parks: A Case Study of Rwenzori National Park
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Date
2023-09-20
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
The study was conducted on the topic entitled the Impact of COVID 19 on the performance of national parks, a case study of Rwenzori National Park. It later followed the following objectives; to determine the level of performance of national parks during and after COVID 19, to find out the challenges faced by Mt. Rwenzori National Park during and after covid-19 and to find out the measures taken by the national parks and tourism industry to recover from COVID-19 problems.
In order to achieve the objectives of this study, a descriptive research design was employed in which the relationship between COVID-19 and performance of national parks was determined. In addition, the descriptive kind of research design was adopted because it helps provide answers to questions of who, what, when. The study used a sample size of 20 respondents consisting of employees of Mt. Rwenzori National Park such as tour guides and rangers, management of the national park, tourists and community members. Questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. The researcher utilized closed-end in designing the questionnaire. Questionnaires give the respondent ample time to give the required information in the provided document, hence it assures high rate of response.
From the study findings, it was revealed that National parks were not closed during Covid-19 and this didn’t decline the financial performance of the park, National parks had poor performance due to lack of funds, Rwenzori national park did not follow standard operating procedures and guidelines, Rwenzori national park could allow online bookings and online payments during and after Covid-19 From the study findings in the table above, it was revealed that 16(80%) of the respondents strongly agreed that there was low turn up of tourists, 4(20%) agreed, There was low turn up of tourists. It was revealed that respondents strongly agreed that there was increased poaching due to limited staff of the park that could monitor the park, no park staff (game rangers & tour guides) died of Covid 19 and Inadequate funds to advertise for the services during Covid-19.
From the study findings, it was concluded that there is a stronger positive relationship between COVID 19 on the performance of national parks, since income of the national parks was lowered down by the coming of covid-19.
Description
This is a dissertation.