Livelihood capital access and sustainable livelihood outcomes of park adjacent communities in Uganda

Abstract

Purpose The paper aims at investigating the association between dimensions of livelihood capital access including financial, human, physical, natural, social, cultural, institutional capital access and sustainable livelihood outcomes – improved well-being. The study aims at establishing whether livelihood capital access enhances the livelihoods of national park adjacent communities in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a quantitative approach and cross-sectional research design. A theoretically driven model was tested on data from 364 respondents from Uganda Community Tourism Association (UCOTA). Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test relationships between the study variables. Findings The results indicate that among the seven distinct forms of capital access, financial, human, physical and social capital are the most crucial. Accessing financial, human, physical and social capital has been shown to significantly enhance the livelihoods of communities residing adjacent to national parks. Originality/value This study adds to the body of sustainable livelihoods literature by highlighting how access to livelihood capital impacts the sustainable livelihoods. The research suggests prioritizing the improvement of access to financial, human, physical and social resources, with a particular emphasis on integrating livelihood capital access into livelihood and tourism policies.