The concept of community-based natural resources management (CBNRM) was introducedin Botswana in the early 1990s, and was premised on the idea that rural people must havethe power to make decisions regarding utilization of natural resources (Mulale et al. 2013).CBNRM was built on the need for local participation and involvement in the managementand utilization of protected areas, as well as community empowerment within and adjacent tothem (Thakadu 2006; Mutandwa and Gadzirayi 2007). Based on these fundamental tenets,the CBNRM initiative was designed to alleviate poverty, advance conservation, strengthen rural economies, and empower communities to manage and derive equitable benefits fromresources, as well as determine their long-term use (Arntzen et al. 2003; GoB 2007). Since its adoption, the implementation arm for CBNRM initiatives has been largely orchestratedthrough the formation and operation of a local community-based organization (CBO) and/or community trust (Moswete et al. 2009; Mbaiwa 2013). This local organizational entity (here-after referred to as a CBO/Trust) has evolved as an instrumental tool for rural communities asit provides a forum for them to negotiate their interests, problems, goals, and aspirations in ademocratic and participatory process (Rozemeijer 2001; Arntzen et al. 2003; Mbaiwa 2013).This paper examines how local residents assess CBOs/Trusts, and people–park relationships, within the context of the Botswana portion of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP).

Projects

Currently no objects available

Currently no objects available