Contribution Of NGOs in Mountain Gorilla Conservation in Rwanda: A Case Study of Karisoke Research Center

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to find out what has been the work of Karisoke Research Center in conservation of the mountain gorillas over its 40 years of existence in Rwanda, its impact and the challenges the center faces in accomplishment of its mission. For most tourists coming to Rwanda, the mountain gorillas of the Volcanoes National Park is their principal attraction. This makes that park the most visited tourist site in the country, and thus, the first site to generate most income. However, these mountain gorillas are classified as critically endangered species in the world and have always been fighting for survival due to serious threats including poaching, cattle grazing, firewood collection, water fetching, park encroachment, etc. The research questions of this study were as follows: a) What has been done by Karisoke Research Center during the 40 years of existence in Rwanda in conservation of mountain gorillas? b) Has the work of Karisoke Research Center contributed to effective conservation of the mountain gorillas? c) What are the challenges Karisoke Research Center is facing in conservation of the mountain gorillas? d) What measures can be taken to mitigate them? This study was of a qualitative category and used interviews and questionnaires as data collection tools. Data was consequently analyzed to address the initial goal of the study. The findings of this study indicated that apart from the Government of Rwanda, numerous NGOs were involved in mountain gorilla conservation efforts and these included Karisoke Research Center which has made significant contributions in mountain gorilla conservation over the 40 years of existence in Rwanda through research, active conservation and community programs. However, like other partners in conservation, Karisoke Research Center faces serious conservation problems that challenge their efforts apart from the traditional threats. This study found out challenges that are beyond the control of any partner in conservation and can lead to the total extinction of the mountain gorillas and thus to the end of Rwanda’s hope of developing through tourism if nothing is done in the future. These challenges include war and political unrest in the African Great Lakes region where the last mountain gorillas in the world are found and climate change which is one of the possible causes of biodiversity loss. This study suggests that in face of these increasing challenges, further regional cooperation is needed. It also gives recommendations on how the region should deal with the impact of climate change.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the study 1

Statement of the problem 5

Purpose of the study 6

Research Objectives 7

General Objective 7

Specific Objectives 7

Research Questions 7

Scope 8

Significance of the study 9

Operational definitions of key terms 9

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 11

Introduction 11

Conservation issues around the world 11

Conservation in Rwanda 13

Mountain gorilla conservation in Rwanda 18

Contribution of the Government of Rwanda in mountain

gorilla conservation 19

Contribution of NGOs in mountain gorilla conservation in

Rwanda 19

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Karisoke Research Center 20

Three METHODOLOGY 26

Research design 26

Research population 26

Sampling procedure 27

Sample 28

Research Instruments 28

Interview 28

Questionnaires 28

Documentary analysis 29

Data Gathering Procedures 29

Data analysis 29

Ethical considerations 30

Limitations of the study 30

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 31

Introduction 31

Profile of the respondents 31

Respondents from Karisoke Research Center 31

Respondents from Bisate Village 31

Presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data 32

Five DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 36

Introduction 36

Discussion of findings 36

Work of Karisoke Research Center over its 40 years of

existence in Rwanda 36

Research, monitoring and active conservation 36

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Community programs 39

Intestinal Parasite Treatment program 40

Hygiene Education program 40

Clean Water Access program 41

Bisate Clinic Rehabilitation 41

Education 42

Community Development programs 42

Impact of the work of Karisoke Research Center on mountain

gorilla conservation 43

Challenges 44

War and Civil unrest 45

Climate Change 46

Conclusion 48

Recommendations 49

Suggested areas for further studies 50

References 51

APPENDICES 52

APPENDIX I: TRANSMITTAL LETTER 54

APPENDIX II: RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS 55

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR KARISOKE RESEARCH CENTER STAFF56

INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS FROM BISATE

VILLAGE 62

APPENDIX III: PROPOSED BUDGET 65

APPENDIX IV: TIME FRAME 66

APPENDIX V: RESEARCHER’S CURRICULUM VITAE 67