Development agencies and policymakers are increasingly advocating tourism
revenue sharing as an effective way to increasing local development around protected areas. In
Rwanda, through its outreach programme, the Tourism Revenue-Sharing (TRS) programs,
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) usually remits 5 per cent of the park entry fees every year to
fund various community projects where given tourist attraction is found. The study was guided by
the following key objectives; to examine the social economic impact of tourism revenue sharing
program towards the development on local communities, and analyse the challenges faced by local
administration and beneficiaries in management of these revenue sharing. To archive the set
objectives, a cross sectional research design was used, combined with qualitative and quantitative
approach. Primary data was collected from community members living adjacent to Nyungwe
national park, community leaders and RDB staff through questionnaires and interviews. The study
adopted descriptive and statistical approaches in processing data and Special Program for Social
Scientist (SPSS) computer program was employed in data analysis. The survey findings indicated
that the revenue sharing program had contributed to social-economic development as it had
facilitated the construction of 6 health centers and 10 schools, ensured communities access to safe
water supplies and improved housing condition. Several agricultural projects were supported
directly through the revenue sharing scheme; it had created employment, promoted local
enterprises and sustainable use of natural resources in Nyungwe national park. However, the study
revealed some challenges in management of revenue sharing and among those were; inadequate
funds, corruption, inadequate skilled manpower, poor communication and elite capture.