What explains success and failure in Community Based Natural Resource Management? A comparison of Botswana and Zambia

Abstract: This study was set out to understand why some African countries succeed in implementing co-management programmes in natural resource management while others fail to do so. This relevant problem is at the center of this thesis and was examined in a comparative empirical investigation of Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) in Botswana and Zambia. The findings of this study demonstrate that even though Botswana and Zambia developed similar policies and legislations and understanding of the core foundations of CBNRM, the two countries have taken different trajectories in the development and implementation of CBNRM. The study also shows that the success of CBNRM in Botswana has been realized through effective cooperative efforts by the government and the local communities residing in controlled hunting areas. The case of Botswana proves the fact that when the local people are given appropriate incentives, authority and ownership over land and wildlife resources, they could effectively organize themselves in managing and preserving wildlife resources. On the other hand, this study has shown why Zambia has been less successful when compared to Botswana in co-management programmes. CBNRM in Zambia has been less successful because there is lack of political will to decentralize decision making authority and responsibilities over wildlife management to the local communities. Additionally, less attention has been paid to the development of effective local institutions and formulation of legislations and policies that support local community ownership of natural resources.