Network Who? The Impact of 'Networks' on the Participation of Communities in Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) in Botswana

Abstract

"This short paper aims to question the impact of 'networks' on the participation of communities in CBNRM in Botswana from a specific programme implementation point of view. The CBNRM Support Programme was launched in 1999 by IUCN/Botswana and SNV Netherlands Development Organisation with 3 defined CBNRM networking roles with the ultimate aim to create an environment conducive for sustainable support to CBNRM activities at local level. Midway the programme implementation period a critical analysis shows a lack of active involvement of the communities and little tangible benefit in what a network stands for: information sharing, learning, co-ordination and participation in decision-making."