Local Institutions for Natural Resource Management in Bulilmamangwe, Zimbabwe

Abstract

"CAMPFIRE (Communal Area Management Programme for Indeginous Resources) has become popular as an example of a community based management programme for natural resources. This paper examines the community basis of the programme focusing on Bulilimamangwe District in south western Zimbabwe. A study of conflicts and institutions in the area demonstrates that in this district, CAMPFIRE, though community based in intent, is a top down programme. Also the conflicts show that community based management of natural resources can become an arena for conflict between interest groups from different levels.

"Bulilimamangwe District is one of the many districts which has a CAMPFIRE programme. The programme, is about the devolution of authority to local communities to manage wildlife resources. Institutions have been set up which will strengthen the community basis of the management programme. Two wards were studied in greater detail to observe the wildlife committees in practice. The wards were Gala and Makhulela. This study also focuses on these institutions and their role in CAMPFIRE. The major finding is that the problems encountered in CAMPFIRE are divorced from these institutions."