COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN WILDLIFE TOURISM IN THE KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK

This study examined the nature of community participation in wildlife tourism in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park—a transboundary protected area shared by Botswana and South Africa. Since the opening of the park, much attention has been directed towards stimulating community participation in wildlife tourism and conservation within the protected area in order to reduce poverty and contribute to local development in adjacent communities. Following a qualitative methodology, the study conducted a documentary analysis in which historical documents and policies pertaining to the protected area were examined. Further, the study interviewed 17 key informants and conducted two focus groups with members of the two communities located adjacent to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The study found that although policies had a positive effect on the community participation in wildlife tourism within the park, in Askham the two communities (Khomani San and Mier) had acted autonomously in the involvement in wildlife tourism. Additionally, the study found wildlife tourism in Tsabong to be in its early stages of development and therefore found limited, and hesitant, participation in the sector. Lack of awareness and limited funds were found comprised as the major limitations to community participation in both Tsabong and Askham. The study concludes that community participation is central to obtaining the benefits conceptualized by wildlife tourism in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.