Contribution of Biodiversity Spatial Patterns on Development of Ecotourism Outcomes in Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Abstract

The rapid decrease in biodiversity has become an urgent issue for ecosystems worldwide, with over one million species currently at risk of extinction due to human activities such as habitat loss, pollution, resource overexploitation, and climate change impacts. Although the relationship between biodiversity and ecotourism is established, little is known about how spatial patterns of biodiversity affect ecotourism outcomes in Akagera National Park, indicating a gap in research regarding the impact of these spatial patterns. This article aimed to assess the effects of biodiversity distribution, habitat quality, wildlife presence, and ecotourism services on developing ecotourism outcomes in Akagera National Park, Rwanda. The study utilized primary quantitative data collected through a structured survey questionnaire involving 133 respondents from a targeted sample size of 134, from RDB, REMA, Kayonza District, Akagera Hotel, and beneficiaries reached through a stratified sampling technique. The quantitative analysis employed the Statistical Package for Social Science version 25.0, applying descriptive statistical analysis to determine the mean and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistical analysis using the analysis of variance test to analyze correlation, significance levels, and regression between study variables. The multiple regression model was used, and findings indicated a positive correlation and significant effects of biodiversity distribution, habitat quality, wildlife presence, and ecotourism services on developing ecotourism outcomes in Akagera National Park. The overall correlation coefficients, R=0.844, and R² = 0.712, indicate that the independent variables contributed 71.2% to the dependent variable. The findings revealed a general positive view of biodiversity well distributed in Akagera National Park, though there is a gap in the diversity of beautiful flora categories to attract tourism revenues, with habitat quality being fully available and wildlife presence activities being correctly managed, with inadequate management of wild animals and human conflict resulting from protecting the park to prevent wild animals conflicting nearby homes. Finally, there was a general positive view of the ecotourism services available in Akagera National Park, which attract tourists and contribute to the development of ecotourism outcomes, yet a gap in the availability of water springs in Akagera Park was identified, which would enhance its attractiveness. The study concluded that there is a generally positive perception that spatial patterns of biodiversity have significantly contributed to the development of ecotourism outcomes in Akagera National Park, Rwanda. The MoE, RDB, and their partners were recommended to add diverse flora in Akagera National Park, to manage human-wildlife conflict by erecting fences around the park to prevent animals from entering nearby homes, to create water bodies, to increase biodiversity to boost tourism revenue, and to enhance the park's appearance. Researchers were recommended to explore unstudied factors influencing ecotourism outcomes, contributing 28.8% to its development.