Attitude of Local Communities Towards Conservation. A Case Study of Amboseli National Park.

ABSTRACT. There is debate on what is the attitude of people living around protected areas. In this case, the attitude of the local community I iving around Ambosel i National Park is assessed. The study also tries to establish how the national park can affect the immediate adjacent neighboring community both socially and economically. The relationship between the park management is also determined. Data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Five villages of lllasit, Nkama, Entonet Mortot and Namelok were considered. Results showed towards the local communities nearest to the park have suffered the social - economic impacts of the park. The local people's attitude towards the park greatly influenced the park management. Also the relationship between the park management and the local people has been in terms of employment, infrastructure development, security, income generation and education. Most of the local people depend on the park on their livelihoods since they sustainably collect weaving material from the park. As in many protected areas worldwide, Amboseli conservation problems largely result from conflicts of interest over land use. These include wild life hunting, cultivation and tradition resource uses among others. These problems have been overcome through; Revenue sharing, working together, income generating activities for local people, learning about the forest and problem animal control programs has been put in place. The study recommends that the park authorities shou Id ensure that they develop a friendly environment and cooperate with the local communities to improve and manage the park resources.