Community Conservation in Namibia {Pre-Discussion}

Community conservation in Namibia: Empowering ... - Wiley Online Library. (n.d.). Retrieved
February 13, 2023, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1468-
0270.2011.02096.x

The paper argues in favour of “transferring property rights to natural resources from the state
to local communities” as this has brought economic and environmental benefits. Furthermore,
the current system although successful poses many lingering weaknesses such as “an
incomplete devolution of management and use rights, problems related to human–wildlife
conflict and continuing concerns with land tenure insecurity.” Throughout the paper, the
Namibian Government is used as an example to demonstrate this as they focus their efforts
towards an innovative change through the Community-Based Natural Resources Management
Programme (CBNRM).

The CBRNM strategy for proper management/allocation for the use and benefits of resources
allows for a better strategy for resolving disputes. It recognizes the importance of managing
local resources and how they can produce greater benefits such as a healthy environment of
economic development through governance over common resources. A benefit to this system
is the tragedy of the commons is avoided leading to improving sustainable wildlife.

The original intent for the program was to use it in response to several policy concerns
including plummeting wildlife numbers in rural communities. A reason for this is linked to the
combination of civil wars, drought, and poor incentives to protect wildlife areas during the
1970s to early 1980s. Moreover, poverty levels were increasingly high; thus, the CBRNM
strategy was seen as a possible route to improve rural economic development as well as create
expanded entrepreneurial opportunities for locals to benefit from wildlife and eco-tourism. The
CRBNM was also seen as a means to close the distance of racial inequality as Black Namibians
would acquire similar rights held by white farmers.

A challenge to overcome in particular was people's willingness to distribute power among each
other. In order for this strategy to be successful, government officials would have to share some
degree of power with other groups without hindering their responsibilities. Effective support
was also required from political leaders, civil society organizations, inside and outside
government, etc.

In the end, the CBNRM had support from even high levels of government to local leaders and
people thanks to support from by the NWT and IRDNC throughout the 1980s. The poor and
protected were able to legally empower themselves through this law by advancing their rights,
allowing for a better claim on interests and assets.