Striving for Participation: An Analysis of Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Botswana
Date of Award
2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Hicks, Barbara
Keywords
Conservation, Community-Based Natural Resource Management, Botswana, Participation
Area of Concentration
Political Science
Abstract
Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programs are at the forefront of conservation and development ideology. Founded on the premise that economic incentives can provide reasons for rural people in the developing world to conserve wildlife and other natural resources, CBNRM programs have been implemented all across southern Africa for the past two decades. In addition to conserving wildlife, these dual conservation and development programs are meant to empower rural people by encouraging them to manage and participate in the decision-making process. Despite the promise of CBNRM, implementation has not gone smoothly in Botswana (or most other countries in which is has been tried). Issues of non-engagement, marginalization of segments of society, and lack of training and technical capacity are hindering the development and usefulness of the program. This study examines the obstacles to CBNRM in Botswana through a framework of polycentric institutionalism design principles that separates the issues into five dimensions: information, communication, symmetry, and monitoring and enforcement. Particular emphasis is placed on institutional structures that are blocking participation in the program. This study also compares the participation mechanisms in Botswana to those of Zimbabwe and Namibia to determine whether the efforts and lessons from other programs can be transferred to Botswana's version of CBNRM. It appears that Botswana is following a similar trend to Zimbabwe and increasing centralization of the program rather than the more successful Namibian model of considerable community control.
Recommended Citation
Gowan, Catherine, "Striving for Participation: An Analysis of Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Botswana" (2009). Theses & ETDs. 4111.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4111