This paper examines the effects of
the safari hunting ban of 2014 on rural livelihoods and wildlife conservation
in Northern Botswana using the social exchange theory. The paper used both
primary and secondary data sources. Data were analysed qualitatively. Results
indicate that the ban led to a reduction of tourism benefits to local
communities such as: income, employment opportunities, social services such as
funeral insurance, scholarships and income required to make provision of
housing for the needy and elderly. After the hunting ban, communities were
forced to shifts from hunting to photographic tourism. Reduced tourism benefits
have led to the development of negative attitudes by rural residents towards wildlife
conservation and the increase in incidents of poaching in Northern Botswana.
The implications of hunting ban suggest that policy shifts that affect wildlife
conservation and rural livelihoods need to be informed by socio-economic and
ecological research. This participatory and scientific approach to
decision-making has the potential to contribute sustainability of livelihoods
and wildlife conservation in Botswana.
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