The impact of protected areas on the livelihoods of local communities. A case of Khula village, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
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Date
2020
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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the lived experiences of the local communities
that live adjacent to protected areas (PA) in South Africa using a case study of Khula Village
which is located in KwaZulu-Natal. The literature which was reviewed acknowledges the
importance of protected areas however the communities who reside close to protected areas
are not fully benefiting from the protected area management, leading to conflicts between
management authorities and local communities. This study has sought insight from
community members in Khula Village in pursuit of the overarching research question: a)
What are the benefits of protected areas management to local communities? b) What are the
factors that hinder the flow of benefits? and c) How is the protected area perceived? The
individuals interviewed provided data for the research questions. The findings that I gathered
suggest that this community has nothing against conservation but the issue is how it is done.
The community is not enjoying the benefits of conservation this has led to clashes between
the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority (IWPA) and the community, unfortunately some of
these clashes have often led to fatalities. By applying the political ecological approach
(Robbins, 2012), as a basis of analysis my study suggests that the approach of management of
IWPA is unsustainable; not involving of local people from protected areas management leads
to conflict; the state control of the PA has negatively affected the livelihood of the local
community. The study findings have recommendations that may help inform the government
and management agencies to manage PA more sustainably.
Description
Master’s Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.