Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Programme in Caprivi, Namibia
Case Study C0206
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| Date | 2006 |
| Agency | Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) |
| Donor/support agency | WWF |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area Community conserved area |
| Geographic coverage | Namibia |
| Locality | Caprivi region |
| Biodiversity focus | Species |
| Development focus | Rural communities |
| Conservation goals | Conserve the wildlife of the Caprivi region |
| Poverty reduction goals | Promote a sustainable socio-economic development of the Caprivi region |
Summary
The Caprivi region, one of the poorest and least developed regions in Namibia, has a population of approximately 79,852, inhabiting an area of 20,009sqkm. Vegetation in Caprivi consists mostly of Kalahari teak woodland, riverine woodland and floodplains. The soils are generally poor, consisting mostly of Kalahari sand from the riverine floodplains. Wildlife associated with the various vegetation types is present, though scarce. The economy of the region is predominantly rural and subsistence-led. Most people, especially the poorest groups, are directly dependent on natural resources for a variety of livelihood activities. Wildlife in particular provides both food and, to a lesser extent, income security. As a consequence, wildlife in Caprivi has often been threatened with over-exploitation.
In response to this situation, the government of Namibia launched the National Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Programme, a joint venture between government, non-governmental agencies and local communities, which aims to achieve both sustainable natural resource management and socio-economic development in Namibia. WWF has helped to develop the CBNRM approach in the Caprivi region, by supporting the Namibian NGO Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC). In the Caprivi region, the project operates in the Bwabwata National Park, in Eastern Caprivi, and on the eastern floodplains. The main strategy used by IRDNC was to promote the formation of conservancies (community based resource management committees), whom, under Namibian laws, are able to benefit from wildlife, both for consumptive and non-consumptive uses. Rights granted to the conservancies include the rights of ownership over huntable game, revenue from the sale of game, and game products and tourism.
Five conservancies were registered in Caprivi through IRDNC support and are currently benefiting in a number of important ways.
Conservation impact
IRDNC’s CBNRM approach has contributed to the protection and recovery of wildlife species, and improved wildlife management practices, as proved by the increase in wildlife numbers in key areas and by wildlife returning to areas from which it had disappeared. However, illegal hunting for household use and for income continues to take place, though at a greatly reduced pace.
Poverty reduction impact
Rural communities in Caprivi are currently benefiting from the CBNRM programme in a number of important ways: tourism lodges and campsites, built in the course of the project, have become the major source of income and employment (199 full-time and 46 part-time jobs) for the conservancies; 12 craft groups have been formed and training provided to improve skills and entrepreneurship, whilst two craft markets were developed where the products can be sold; social empowerment of marginalized rural people, especially women, was achieved; wildlife conservation is contributing to achieving good governance through rural empowerment.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Enabling local participation in policy-/decision- making processes
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Reference 1
http://www.worldwildlife.org/pubs/wwfmdgreport2006final.pdf
Related records above this one:
- WWF International (Organisation O0115)