Paper short abstract:

The aim of this paper is to question the interest of Botswana government participation in transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs), specifically the Kavango-Zambezi TFCA

Paper long abstract:

TFCAs are considered the latest evolution of a more holistic approach to transnational environmental management that brings together conservation and development agendas. Using a discourse analytical perspective of claims advanced for TFCAs in Southern Africa, this study explores how Kavango-Zambezi TFCA has been motivated on the Botswana border. The study questions the interests of Botswana government participation in the KAZA TFCA and examines the effects of the KAZA TFCA on local communities. This study employs a qualitative approach employing triangulation methods of data collection. KAZA is one of the largest and most ambitious transboundary initiative in the world that stretches across the political borders of five sovereign states. KAZA acknowledges that nature knows no boundaries hence conservation corridors should traverse political boundaries and borders of the state. Against this backdrop, the rationale for KAZA is to provide the large herds of elephants (approximately 120,000) in Botswana with access to large area of grazing land. The study demonstrates how the burgeoning elephant population is inextricably linked with border policing, tourism and conservation. KAZA considers participation and local community involvement in planning and decision making as legitimate for sustainable natural resource management. However, the current realities exist in contrast to these considerations. The study reveals that there is a disparity between theory and practice as KAZA is yet to deliver its promises to the local communities. The study asserts that it is critical to view KAZA as a complex, evolving and long-term initiative that will be interesting to follow in the future.