E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management
E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management Vol. 5 (2) pp. 042-046, February 2014; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2141-7466
An assessment of local people’s participation in natural resources conservation in southern Zimbabwe
Edson Gandiwa 1 * , Patience Zisadza-Gandiwa 1 , Clayton Mashapa 1 , Elias Libombo 1 , Never Muboko 11 School of Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
2 Transfrontier Conservation Areas Unit, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, P.O. Box CY 140, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe
3 Department of Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Africa University, P. O Box 1320, Mutare, Zimbabwe
4 Scientific Services, Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Private Bag 7003, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe
*Corresponding Author E-mail: egandiwa@gmail.com
Accepted 18 February 2014
Abstract
We assessed the participation of local people in community-based natural resources management under the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) in southern Zimbabwe. We focused on four randomly selected CAMPFIRE communities surrounding Gonarezhou National Park. Data were collected in October 2013 through semi-structured questionnaires administered through interviews. Our results showed that there were significantly more men than women in the CAMPFIRE committees. Surprisingly, we recorded that no youths, those below the age of 25 years, were part of the CAMPFIRE committees. CAMPFIRE committee members across the study area were within the age range of 25–60 years. We therefore recommend that: (i) youths should be deliberately included in management committees focussing on natural resources conservation, and (ii) conservation awareness and education needs to be streamlined and enhanced to improve attitudes of both the elderly and youths toward community-based natural resources management initiatives.
Keywords: CAMPFIRE, community-based natural resource management, Gonarezhou National Park, local people, sustainable utilization
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