The influence of Chobe National Park on people's livelihoods and conservation behaviors

This study investigated the impact of Chobe National Park on rural development and biodiversity conservation by focusing on the influence the park has on people's livelihoods and the subsequent effect on conservation behaviors. Chobe District is biodiversity well-endowed, yet an area where poverty is the order of the day. The natural resource base of Chobe makes the district the second most important tourism area in Botswana after the Okavango Delta. Given the growth and position of tourism as the most important engine of economic growth after diamonds in Botswana, the study sought to determine whether the claimed conservation and tourism benefits are realized at the household level.;Grounded on the theories of empowerment and social exchange the study set out to specifically determine: if the park results in favorable and equitable distributed livelihood effects, factors underlying the livelihood effects, and if the livelihood effects impact conservation behaviors. A mixed method approach was adopted involving qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis procedures. Within the park's hinterland, three settlements were sampled on the basis of proximity to park, level of development and length of CBNRM experience.;The study revealed that while Chobe National Park is able to generate significant revenues through tourism, they are not equitably distributed. Significant benefits are derived by the government, foreign investors and, to some extent, used for community projects while the ordinary people are left with trivial gains although they are the ones who bear the brunt of living with wildlife. Socio-economic variables, urbanity and restrictive policy are the main factors governing the distribution of the tourism revenues. Conservation behaviors are generally positive, owing mainly to strict law enforcement, passivity and reduced focus on environmental resources induced by alternative livelihood activities, mainly government employment. Overall, the study demonstrates that while succeeding in maintaining ecosystem sustainability, the park is unable, as a development intervention, to address the problems of rural poverty, inequalities, dependencies and marginalization of the locals. These conditions reflect 'powerlessness' and inability to take charge of one's life, the reverse of social advancement and empowerment as advocated in conservation and tourism policy.