The Legacy of Dualism and Decision-Making: The Prospects for Local Institutional Development in 'Campfire'

Abstract

"The 'CAMPFIRE' program in Zimbabwe seeks to place management of wildlife into the hands of rural people living in communal lands, many of which represent a marginal environment to which the majority of the indigenous population was relocated under divisive legislation introduced by colonial powers. A pre-requisite for success that benefits from sustainable utilization of wildlife accrue directly to the 'producer communities'. Such benefits must be greater than the liabilities incurred by such communities, which necessitates an understanding of their value judgements and the cultural context within which they are made. The fugitive nature of the resource, and the 'costs' it inflicts, raises questions about distribution of differential benefits as prescribed by implementing agencies. The institutional arrangements through which such issues will be addressed satisfactorily are currently the subject of debate. An understanding of historical and post-colonial contexts is provided in considering conflicts and constraints in development of 'appropriate' local institutions. The paper is written from the viewpoint of the practitioner by a member of an implementing agency; it offers no solutions as they will evolve from rural people themselves as the program progresses."