Local People’s Knowledge and Perceptions of Wildlife Conservation in Southeastern Zimbabwe

Edson Gandiwa, Patience Zisadza-Gandiwa, Never Muboko, Elias Libombo, Clayton Mashapa, Rachel Gwazani

Department of Livestock, Wildlife and Fisheries, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe.
Department of Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe.
School of Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe.
Scientific Services, Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe.
Transfrontier Conservation Areas Unit, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Harare, Zimbabwe.

DOI: 10.4236/jep.2014.56050                

Abstract

This study aimed at examining local people’s knowledge and perceptions of wildlife conservation in southeastern Zimbabwe. Data were collected between October and November in 2012 using a purposive sampling approach of households (n = 114) in communities adjacent to Gonarezhou National Park. Our results show that local people were aware of the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) and Gonarezhou, and their associated purposes. However, our results suggest that local people had inadequate knowledge about the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) and its purpose. Moreover, mixed perceptions about the impact of the GLTFCA on local livelihoods and conservation in the study area were recorded. Finally, the results indicated that improving park-community relationships, education and awareness programmes on natural resources conservation could assist in raising the status of conservation in Gonarezhou and GLTFCA.

Keywords

Community, Gonarezhou National Park, Knowledge, Perception, Protected Area

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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