Community participation in natural resource management: Some challenges faced by South African rural communities

Abstract

Rural communities living in the neighbourhoods of protected areas are among the most disadvantaged in South Africa. This article focuses on community based natural resource management as a strategy towards sustainable community development for those communities. Two case studies are presented: the Makuleke community neighbouring the Kruger National Park and the communities adjacent to the Mkambati Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province. A study of the situations of the Mkambati and the Makuleke people, indicates that a number of challenges face rural communities who wish to participate in the management of natural resources:
• Both situations indicated the need for government leadership and guidance in terms of Community Based Natural Resource Management.
• Communities should be wary of placing too high expectations on natural resources, for instance, tourism should not be seen as the magic wand that will solve all their problems and ensure prosperity for everyone.
• It is vital to establish guidelines to define "local community", or it could become contentious.
• Communities should first establish land tenure. It is a slow process, but fundamental to establish the rights of the community.
• The role of local communities in the management of natural resources should facilitate and not inhibit trans-frontier and regional integration of conservation areas.
• Effective outsourcing of activities and the establishing of a workable partnership with the private sector are crucial to the success of the process.