Universität zu Köln

Schleicher, Fabio (2025). Financial Devolution in Community-Based Conservation in Southern Africa. Masters thesis, Universität zu Köln.

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Abstract

This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of financial devolution in communitybased natural resource management (CBNRM) across the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), focusing on Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It offers a large-scale overview and comparison of how national governance strategies have shaped financial devolution in these countries, emphasizing the role of local communities in conservation efforts. Despite the decentralization trend since the 1980s and 1990s, the study finds significant variation in financial autonomy, with challenges such as elite capture, revenue recentralization, and restricted local decision-making. Through case studies within the borders of the KAZA TFCA, it highlights disparities in wildlife-revenue management and financial independence. The thesis concludes that stronger devolution frameworks and improved governance structures are essential for sustainable CBNRM and long-term conservation success in the region.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters thesis)
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Schleicher, Fabio UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-784871
Series Name at the University of Cologne:	Culture and Environment in Africa Series
Volume:	19
Date:	2025
Place of Publication:	Köln
ISSN:	2194-1556
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Divisions:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities > Fächergruppe 4: Außereuropäische Sprachen, Kulturen und Gesellschaften > Institut für Ethnologie
Subjects:	Customs, etiquette, folklore
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Southern Africa; Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA); Community-based natural resource management; Conservation; Financial aspects; MA thesis English
Date of oral exam:	2025
Referee:	Name Academic Title Bollig, Michael Prof. Dr.
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/78487