“If Botswana is to continue its success story as an African anomaly, it will have
to manage its transition to a less diamond-dependent economy skilfully. Until
alternative and new sources of economic growth can be found, eco-tourism will be
the keystone sector. If well governed, tourism can sustainably provide livelihood
opportunities while contributing to wildlife and biodiversity preservation. An
important component of its success is the extent to which local communities
benefit from it and are central to management decisions. Community-Based
Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) is a formal policy in Botswana designed
to achieve this end. This policy insights paper examines the history of CBNRM
and the efficacy of its current iteration. Although there are a number of challenges
to overcome with the Botswana CBNRM model, the paper ultimately argues that
communities are better off with CBNRM than without it. It does, however, have to
be more effectively governed, and a greater diversification of economic activities has to be encouraged. If it is to be successful, CBNRM must also be politically supported through the investment in appropriate CBNRM legislation and policy.”
