Human-wildlife conflicts in the Okavango Delta, Botswana: What are sustainable management options?

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs) threaten natural resource sustainability and livelihoods in Botswana. Using the notions of sustainability, human wildlife conflict and conflict resolution, this paper analyses causes, consequences and management options of HWCs in the Okavango Delta (OD), Botswana. Primary and secondary data sources were used in the study. The results of the study show that there are primary (underlying) and proximate factors that cause HWCs in the OD. The main causes of HWC include crop damage caused by wild animals such as elephants, kudus and hippos. Livestock predation caused by lions, hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs and crocodiles are some of the cause of HWC in the delta. Proximate factors of HWC include increased human and wildlife population (e.g. elephants), policy and institutional failures, livestock diseases and veterinary fences. These result in insecure livelihoods, and negative local attitudes towards wildlife conservation. Policy and institutional barriers increase HWC in the OD. This is reflected by the fact that government policy tends to favour wildlife-based tourism over agro-pastoralism in the OD. The result has been an increase in HWCs and poverty in the wetland. In addition, institutional policies on land use are not harmonized and are top-down to development planning and in the implementation of development programmes. In conclusion, land zonation for land uses and compensation for crop damage and livestock predation are potential options for sustainability and HWC resolution.