About this Package

Unlock Groundbreaking Community Based Tourism Data in the Heart of Africa: The Kitara Foundation for Sustainable Tourism, through the Kitara School of Tourism and Hospitality, invites CBT Researchers and Academics to participate in an unparalleled Research Volunteer Program in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. This is your dedicated opportunity for deep-dive empirical investigation within Africa's most successful, award-winning CBT initiatives. We offer a direct pathway for global academics to move from conceptual study to generate impactful, primary research. Program Description: Unique Field Data & Applied Insight: Our Research Volunteer program is designed to eliminate common access barriers, providing a fully supported framework that hosts you directly within authentic, thriving Community-Based Tourism Organizations (CBTOs). 1. Unrivaled Access to Proven Models Study proven, resilient, and economically viable CBT models in action. You will be integrated into a network of global award-winning CBTOs recognized for excellence in sustainable development and community empowerment., 2. The Immersive Living Laboratory Become an active participant in a "living laboratory," enabling real-time observation, data collection, and applied analysis across diverse cultural and natural environments in Western Uganda. 3. Supported Fieldwork & Mentorship You will benefit from: • Local Expert Guidance: Work alongside local community leaders, CBTO managers, and the experienced Kitara team. • Ethical Data Collection: Our framework ensures research is conducted ethically, respectfully, and in partnership with the community, leading to more authentic and comprehensive findings. 4. High-Impact Research Focus We encourage proposals that align with the critical needs of the sector. Core areas include: • Sustainable Development Impact: Quantifying economic, social, and environmental returns. • Cultural Preservation: Analyzing methodologies for authentic product standardization. • Digital Strategy: Studying effectiveness of global market access channels. • Capacity Building Effectiveness: Evaluating the long-term impact of training on local governance. • Your Desired Research Areas: Any research area of your choice will be discussed and agreed upon. Who Should Join? This program is perfectly suited for those focused on sustainable and regenerative tourism practices: • Students (Doctoral, Master's, other Degree): Seeking authentic field data for dissertations and theses. • University Professors and Academics: Requiring an authentic, organized platform for primary research. • Independent Researchers: Ready for hands-on, high-impact fieldwork. This is more than a study trip—it is a collaboration designed to generate high-quality data that will advance global understanding of sustainable tourism best practices. Duration and Placement: Flexible placements are available, from short, intensive data sprints to long-term mentorship assignments. The fees include accommodation, all meals and other field logistics. If your study is designed for more days we can work out the itinerary together.