Johannesburg – Interacting with Southern African hunting communities engaged in international hunting reveals their harmonious relationship with wildlife.
This has been a consistent observation of mine over many years of field interviews conducted within these communities.
Recently, I had discussions with representatives from the hunting communities in the Caprivi Strip, located in the Zambezi Region where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe converge.
The area is rich in wildlife.
Since the introduction of international hunting in the late 1990s, the lives of local villagers have significantly improved.
The Bamunu Conservancy in Namibia’s Zambezi Region has undergone remarkable changes since the initiation of international hunting in the late 1990s.
Rejoice Manga Mani, a resident and manager of the Bamunu Conservancy, noted that international hunting has brought electricity to five villages so far.
“Although we are still in the early stages, most of our communities now enjoy access to electricity,” she explained.
Previously, the area was cloaked in darkness at night, with only wildlife sounds breaking the silence.
Now, families can navigate their homes freely and enjoyably.
Schoolchildren can study at night, enhancing their chances of academic success.
This advancement in education paves the way for improved living standards as these children secure employment based on their skills.
Funds from international hunting have also enabled the drilling of boreholes, ensuring a dependable supply of clean drinking water essential for both villagers and wildlife.
This interdependence illustrates a mutually beneficial relationship between the residents and their wildlife.
Additionally, in the Caprivi Strip, located in the Zambezi region, the Salambala Conservancy, managed by Livanda Fabian, also reaps significant benefits from international hunting.
The villagers of the conservancy are witnessing extensive advantages from hunting revenues, including the construction of schools, boreholes, scholarships for further education, and initiatives aimed at combating poaching.
Livanda emphasized that the proceeds from international hunting are shared with the community, with 50% directed toward capital projects and the remaining 50% allocated for conservation efforts.
About the writer: Emmanuel Koro is an award-winning environmental journalist based in Johannesburg, focusing on environmental and developmental issues throughout Africa.
