Unleashing the Potential of Community Participation in Wildlife Management in the Drive of Empowering Conservation: A Case Study of Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study critically explores the role of community participation in enhancing sustainable wildlife management at Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. The research was prompted by increasing conservation challenges within the game reserve, including, but not limited to: poaching, habitat degradation, human-wildlife conflicts and a threatened tourism business (Dube, 2019; Matseketsa et al., 2019; Ntuli et al., 2019). The study employed a mixed methods approach underpinned by a pragmatic research philosophy. A cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was utilised. The target population consisted of 600 subjects, including game reserve staff, community members and officials from government and non-governmental wildlife management authorities in Zimbabwe. Data were collected through questionnaires (n=60) and key informant interviews (n=6). Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Research results reveal that community participation initiatives have a positive and significant influence on wildlife conservation at Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. The study also identified challenges hindering effective community participation in wildlife management, including lack of access to information and limited financial incentives. Strategies proposed to enhance community participation in wildlife conservation include community engagement and incentivizing conservation efforts. Therefore, the study recommends that game reserves ensure local communities have representation on committees related to wildlife management. This would provide them with a platform to voice their concerns and actively participate in wildlife conservation and management.