Africa-Press – Namibia. The Zambezi region’s 15 communal conservancies produced a combined income of approximately N$30 million in 2024.
In a recent report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources attributed the results to the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme, which empowers rural communities and contributes to poverty alleviation.
The committee states, “This may have a direct bearing on the prices per species concessionaires agree on. This could be manipulated in favour of the concessionaires”.
Mudumu National Park and Mayuni Conservancy in the Zambezi region have implemented lion-proof kraals as a key strategy to mitigate these conflicts.
With support from the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia (CCFN), a lion-proof kraal and three boreholes worth N$1.47 million were established.
Other human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures include cutlines for wildlife monitoring and patrols as well as crocodile fences and tin fencing.
The report also notes that a kindergarten was built at Mulanga for N$30 000.
Importantly, “members now directly benefit from 50% of the conservancy’s income,” they added.
The conservancy also acquired patrol and monitoring equipment, including tents, uniforms, binoculars, GPS devices and torches through Human-Wildlife Conflict projects.
In 2024, Mashi Conservancy generated a total income of N$3.3 million.
Of this amount, N$1.4 million came from trophy hunting through Omujeve Hunting Safaris, and N$1.4 million from tourism joint ventures with establishments such as Namushasha Lodge, Kazile Tented Lodge, Camp Kwando, Sharwimbo Lodge and Kazondwe Camp.
Additionally, N$444 361 came from bank interest and social responsibility contributions.
In Kavango East, the CBNRM programme has brought tangible benefits to communities.
It was reported that over 15 tonnes of game meat are distributed annually, providing much-needed protein to households.
Conservancies also provide financial support for students, with more than N$50 000 allocated in 2022 and N$62 000 in 2023 to assist learners in Muduvu Nyangana and George Mukoya.
Using conservancy funds, funeral assistance worth N$50 000 is provided annually.
Since 2023, elephants included in the hunting quota have not been hunted due to the absence of resident elephant populations.
Illegal fencing and poaching remain serious threats.
The committee pointed out the need for diversification of income streams and stronger government support to ensure resilience and long-term viability.
The conservancies provided employment to over 1 200 people. Each conservancy is allocated a hunting quota that runs for three years.
By the end of 2024, it was recorded that the conservancies relied mainly on trophy hunting for profit but have failed to produce a single trophy hunter.
The CBNRM programme is 26 years old, with the committee pinpointing that it needs realignment to meet the current demand of a fast-changing world.
Applicants for concession applicants and conservancy management committees are exposed to negotiating with knowledgeable potential partners, while communities do not possess such a pedigree.
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