Dissertation (MSc Natural Resources Management)The study aimed at assessing the contribution of Protected Areas to the livelihoods communities adjacent to Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The study was conducted from May to July 2015, it was important to conduct this research in this area because, apart from these villages of Mang’ula B, Mshikamano and Kanyenja being nearby to the National Park, still people living in this community are poor. Semi-structured interview, Focus Group Discussion, questionnaires and observation were employed as the methods and techniques for data collection. A total sample of 100 respondents was included comprising of 99 villagers (Villages Executive Officers included) and one respondent from the Park authority. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study has revealed the benefits that local communities get from the National Park include: employment opportunities, business, and provision of social services. Also the findings show the major problems that hinder the local communities from the National Park as animal invasion, poaching and the environmental problem. In order to increase the rate of contributions from the National Park to the communities, study revealed different suggested mechanism measures such as active participation and involvement of locals, expanding employment opportunities and clear practical of the National Tourism Policy and the financial support for projects. The study concludes that, by active involvement of communities in tourism activities might help the people to increase their standard of living through doing small business and being employed as drivers and cleaners.