Managing resources with PRA [participatory rural appraisal] partnerships : a case study of Lesoma, Botswana

The community has many problems: persistent encroachment by large game, difficult land access, problems with poachers, male emigration for wage employment, and fragmented community institutions. This case study describes how a team of officers from Botswana"s Department of Wildlife and National Parks, other ministries, and NGOs carried out a participatory rural appraisal in Lesoma in 6/93. The goal was to acquaint participants with a methodology to open negotiations between nearby Chobe National Park and communities such as Lesoma. The negotiations have led to shared action plans that support both conservation and development, and offer village residents hope of sustainable livelihoods while protecting both flora and fauna in Kasane Forest Reserve and Chobe National Park. (Author abstract)