Wildlife ownership, access and conservation: a reflection from pre-colonial to post-colonial period in Zimbabw

Abstract

Wildlife is a valuable resource in Zimbabwe. This Chapter focuses on the evolution of wildlife ownership regimes, access and conservation in Zimbabwe from pre-colonial to post-colonial period. Evidence was gathered from documentary review of existing literature, primarily focusing on (un)published reports, research articles and books. Google, Google Scholar and Scopus search engines were used to search relevant literature. Study findings indicated that wildlife ownership in Zimbabwe shifted from traditional common pool resource to public and private ownership driven by the need to fulfil the concept of access and benefit sharing. The evolution of the political landscape, legal and institutional framework for management of wildlife resources influenced changes in ownership regimes. Consequently, approaches to wildlife management have also diversified from the colonial fortress conservation approach to a range of management regimes including community-based wildlife management systems. However, community-based approaches to wildlife conservation have faced a myriad of challenges due to lack of devolution and other resource governance related aspects. Despite the evolution of wildlife ownership regimes, the responsibility of maintaining and conserving the wildlife resources still rests in the hands of a few. There is need to promote integrated and innovative approaches to wildlife management to ensure successful conservation and sustainable utilisation of the resource.