Assessing the influence of natural resource conservation on the livelihoods of KwaNibela, KwaZulu-Natal

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of natural resource conservation on the livelihoods of the people of KwaNibela, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The objectives of this study were to (a) identify the natural resource conservation initiatives and programmes implemented by iSimangaliso Wetland Park, (b) evaluate the extent to which the community of KwaNibela benefited from the natural resources conserved by iSimangaliso Wetland Park (c) explore the perceptions and attitudes of indigenous people towards iSimangaliso Wetland Park conservation strategies. This study adopted a mixed methods approach in order to understand the perceptions of people concerning natural resource conservation and its influence on their livelihoods. The results of the study indicated that the conservation strategy utilised by iSimangaliso Wetland Park is co-management, which means the park collaborates with land claimants in the area in order to preserve natural resources. However, a significant part of the community of KwaNibela did not feel fully involved in conservation since they do not benefit from it and they also felt that they were not fully consulted. The results further revealed that natural resource conservation adversely affects some of the people’s livelihoods through limited access to natural resources, such as land for agriculture, banning of hunting activities and predation of livestock by wild animals that escape from the park. These suggests that, although conservation is vital for the preservation of natural resources, there is a need for effective collaborative approaches which should also benefit the community and make them an integral part of conservation programmes. Differently stated, the co-management approaches which are currently followed are not effective and should evolve beyond the level of tokenism. This would ensure that people are fully involved and their livelihoods are enhanced through clearer and fairer benefit sharing arrangements.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Zululand

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Maseko, Zwelakhe Thulasizwe Mascot

• Community
• Natural resource conservation
• Livelihoods

Licence

• https://devspace.unizulu.ac.za/bitstreams/a7f78cbc-44f5-4e80-a9da-8c748c0f7cb4/download