Title: Environmental conservation strategies and sustainability of community based tourism in Kenya: a case of Maasai Mara conservancies

Authors: Winnie Chebet Tubey; Dorothy Ndunge Kyalo; Angeline Sabina Mulwa

Addresses: School of Open, Distance and Learning, University of Nairobi, Kenya, P.O. Box 30197, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya ' School of Open, Distance and Learning, University of Nairobi, Kenya, P.O. Box 30197, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya ' School of Open, Distance and Learning, University of Nairobi, Kenya, P.O. Box 30197, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine how environmental conservation strategies influence the sustainability of community based tourism projects in Kenya. The study used descriptive survey research design, mixed methods approach anchored on pragmatism as its philosophical underpinning. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis while quantitative data used multiple regression analysis to test the nature and strength of the relationship between variables based on observed data and to predict the value of the dependent variable based on the value of the independent variable; r = 0.808, r² = 0.653, F_{(1, 204)} = 383.571 at p < 0.05. Recommendations include; focus on waste disposal mechanisms, proper land use planning, alternative sources of energy, reviving and strengthening customary and indigenous conservation activities. Further, explore longterm research at different ecological and social scales; establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in conservancies and encouraging conservation through enterprise to improve the livelihoods of communities.

Keywords: environmental conservation strategies; sustainability; community based tourism projects; protected areas; monitoring and evaluation; land use planning; community wildlife conflict; community empowerment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2020.110864

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2020 Vol.10 No.2, pp.123 - 141

Received: 25 Sep 2019
Accepted: 16 Mar 2020
Published online: 30 Oct 2020 *

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