Community-based natural resource management, poverty alleviation and livelihood diversification: A case study from northern Botswana

Abstract

This paper presents a case study from Ngamiland, northern Botswana, where community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) has been implemented through an ecotourism joint venture between a community-based organisation (CBO) and the private sector. CBNRM is intended to promote sustainable development, by contributing to local poverty alleviation and live-lihood diversification through wage employment and CBO fee revenue. The findings in this case suggest that wage revenue and subsequent remittances make a more significant contribution than fee revenue to household poverty alleviation and livelihood diversification. The objective of sustainable tourism development is only partly met by these community benefits. © 2010 Development Bank of Southern Africa.