Constraints in Implementing the Benefit-Based Approaches as a Strategy for Conserving Wildlife in Western Serengeti, Tanzania

Abstract

"Following the perceived failure of 'fences and fines' conservation approaches, Community Conservation (CC) has become a major paradigm of conservation work in Africa and elsewhere. CC is rooted in benefit provision as its major component, holding assumption that by providing tangible benefits, the local people will be motivated to align their behaviours with conservation goals. Proponents of the strategy view it as a pragmatic way of transforming wildlife from a liability to an asset and therefore reconciling conservation interests with development. Along with improving the relationship between conservation agencies and communities, the strategy is also expected to provide incentive for conservation through improving the local economy. This paper employs the current conservation programmes in Serengeti to establish whether the strategy has a desired impact for future of wildlife in the area. It finally recommends some measures to strengthen the strategy in order to better its contribution to conservation."