The effect of a community based natural resource management (CBNRM) programme on the capacity of the KwaPitela community in Underberg to manage its natural resources for sustainable use.
Loading...
Date
2010
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programmes are implemented
to ensure sustainable use and protection of the environment through appropriate capacity
enhancement and empowerment mechanisms. CBNRM is an approach that has multiple
objectives, such as enhancing the capacity, of communities to manage resources sustainably,
and creating employment opportunities to enhance livelihoods of the communities. CBNRM
programmes are implemented in South Africa by different government departments and
organisations to achieve these objectives. Despite such interventions, communities often
display insufficient knowledge and capacity necessary for effective participation in
addressing natural resource management issues.
The main objective of this study was to establish the effect of a CBNRM programme on the
capacity of the KwaPitela community to manage natural resources for sustainable use. To
address the main objective of this study, three sub-objectives were identified: firstly, to
determine the community members’ ability to apply skills and knowledge in the management
of natural resources for sustainable use; secondly to determine the community’s ability to
participate with different stakeholders in the management of natural resources; and thirdly
determine the community’s ability to make decisions about the management of natural
resources for sustainable use. A basic qualitative research design was used and data collection
methods included semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Selected
documents were analysed to confirm specific aspects of the qualitative data. The participants
of this study were the KwaPitela development committee, members of the community, and
stakeholders mandated to equip the KwaPitela community in CBNRM competencies.
Regarding the first sub-objective it was evident that the development committee can apply
planning, networking, and leadership skills as a result of the CBNRM programme. The
development committee and members involved in the harvesting of natural resources
displayed knowledge related to invasive alien species, legislative processes, and the
importance of natural resources as an essential for their livelihood. These skills and
knowledge were, however, not applied by the community members who were not involved in
natural resource management and leadership processes. The development committee and
members of the community are still in need of further skills and knowledge, for example entrepreneurship skills and knowledge on how to sustain projects, in order to successfully
implement the land use management plan, as developed during the CBNRM programme.
Meeting the second sub-objective, it was evident that the development committee had the
capability to facilitate participation with stakeholders, but the development committee felt
that they were not getting enough support from the stakeholders. In assessing the third subobjective,
it became evident that the development committee was able to make well -
informed decisions in natural resource management, but they lacked the ability to influence
and implement the decisions taken.
Description
Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.
Keywords
Natural resources--KwaZulu-Natal--Underberg--Management., Natural resources--Management--Citizen participation., Communication in community development., Theses--Environmental science.