Realms of conservation or "wildlife liberation": a case of Sengwe in Zimbabwe

Abstract

In the past two decades, adoption of Transfrontier Conservation Areas by African governments as a panacea to the management of wild resources that transcend political boundaries has been on the increase. The implementation process, however, has effects not only on the proliferation of the tourism industry and improved conservation of natural resources, but on the livelihoods of local people. Using the case of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area initiative, this study looks at its effects on the livelihoods of Sengwe people and how they respond to these external shocks and stresses as well as their ability to handle risks. I use qualitative methodology to detail an ethnographic account of the local people's resilience to the effects of the initiative, covering the period 2007-2009. The study draws attention to the voices of those who are seldom heard. I show how little has changed regarding translating conservation policy into practice from the perspective of local...