Implications of ecotourismon rural livelihoods and natural resource fovernmence: the case of Chobe Enclave, Botswana

Ecotourism provides for both humans and animals. In the rural communities of Botswana, people largely depend on extraction and consumption of natural resources therefore it is important for these communities to be one of the key managing actors of these resources. The study assessed the contribution of ecotourism on livelihoods, conservation and natural resource governmence in the Chobe Enclave in Botswana, 10% of the households in Chobe Enclave was chosen from the three villages and were administered questionnaires. Kachikau had 1590 households, Kavimba 824, Mabele 673 therefore 160 households in Kachikau were interviewed, 82 were interviewed in Kavimba and 67 in Mabele. In total, 309 households were interviewed in the Chobe Enclave. Kachikau, Kavimba and Mabele villages were selected purposively, primary data was collected with 309, which is 10% of respondents interviewed using household questionnaires, 8 respondents interviewed as key informant, and 45 were selected as focus group discussants. Secondary data was collected from various sources including newspapers, journals, unpublished reports and books. The quantitative data was analysed using frequency charts and graphs while qualitative data was analysed through identification of thematic groups. The research findings revealed that 58% of respondents say ecotourism contributes towards job creation, income earning, cultural preservation, village developments while 42% say ecotourism doesn’t contribute to livelihoods. The results revealed that 80% of respondents say there is abundance of natural resources and awareness for conservation efforts, but villagers are not responding well to them and this minimizes support for ecotourism initiative. Furthermore the findings revealed that natural resources are largely governed by central government while locals are recipients and implementers of the set rules and regulations. The study will inform policy-makers and communities when planning for ecotourism enterprise developments. The study accumulated knowledge that can be referenced by other scholars thus it raises a number of future research opportunities. The study therefore recommends that for sustainability of ecotourism initiatives, planning and implementation must be strategic, well coordinated and inclusive.