Tourism revenue sharing (TRS) has become a popular strategy for integrated
wildlife conservation and rural development in Africa. In Rwanda, 5% of
tourism revenue is invested annually in communities adjacent to protected
areas. However, the conservation impact of the TRS strategy has been
challenged. Previous studies have revealed structural constraints of TRS,
which partially explain TRS shortfalls. The TRS application is complex and
needs deeper understanding of both conceptual and structural constraints.
In this paper, we examine local perceptions of TRS, and use the Sustainable
Livelihoods framework to conceptually understand the livelihood capability,
equity and sustainability constraints of TRS at Volcanoes National Park (VNP).
Results suggest that TRS has had minimal conservation impact due to acute
food insecurity and limited livelihood capabilities among the poorest
residents in proximity to VNP. This is exacerbated by several TRS structural
constraints, such as the association membership fee requirement for TRS
benefits, political influence, poor conservation linkages, and limited
participation of the most socially and economically disadvantaged residents
in proximity to VNP. This paper recommends restructuring of the TRS
decision-making process to ensure consideration of both short-term and
long-term conservation goals, wildlife conservation linkages and
participation of the most economically disadvantaged residents in proximity
to the park boundary.