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

Joseph E. Mbaiwa

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.

Read more http://journals.ub.bw/index.php/pula/article/view/1524

Joseph Matshelo: The walking library: CELEBRATING A YOUNG BRILLIANT MIND

Joseph Matshelo: The walking library: CELEBRATING A YOUNG BRILLIANT MIND: Botswana’s own Gem - Dr Patricia Kefilwe “Finky” Mogomotsi Meet Dr Patricia Kefilwe “Finky” Mogomotsi, a young beautiful and brilliant mi...

CELEBRATING A YOUNG BRILLIANT MIND

Botswana’s own Gem - Dr Patricia Kefilwe “Finky” Mogomotsi

Meet Dr Patricia Kefilwe “Finky” Mogomotsi, a young beautiful and brilliant mind from Molapowabojang in the Southern District of Botswana. Born 30 years ago in Lobatse to Mr Fish and Mrs Deborah Madigele, Dr Mogomotsi is the youngest ever to hold the position Senior Research Scholar (Natural Resource Economics), at the Okavango Research Institute (ORI).

She was promoted to the position after only two years of service. At the time she was only 29 years old. She is currently ORI’s Training Coordinator. Within 43 months after joining ORI, she managed to publish close 30 research outputs, 23 referred journal articles and four book chapters, as well as two conference proceedings. She has made 12 conference presentations nationally and internationally.

Dr Mogomotsi completed her PhD in December 2018 after only 22 months of study at the University of North West, South Africa, a record-breaking feat given she studied on part-time basis while working full-time.

As a result, she was awarded a Golden Key for being among the top constituting 15 per cent of the graduating class of 2019. Only 30 years old, Dr Mogomotsi attained four more qualifications.

She attained Bachelor of Arts [Economics] at the University of Botswana October 2011, Bachelor of Commerce Honours (BComm Hons) in Economics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa in 2013, Master of Economics, Rhodes University, South Africa in 2015 and Master of Financial Management, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, India in 2016.

Some of her notable achievements include being winner of Global Development Network (GDN) Award in 2014, received the student of the year award under the category of community service at Rhodes University in 2013, Rhodes University ENREFA bursary for Master of Economics in 2013, North West University PhD bursary in 2017 and was the CODESRIA Economic Justice Institute Laureate Mozambique in 2017. Dr Mogomotsi was also CODESRIA Democratic Governance Institute Laureate in Senegal 2017.

She is married to Mr Goemeone E.J Mogomotsi with whom they have been blessed with a son, Goemeone E.L Mogomotsi Jr.