Abstract:
Introduction: The Save Valley Conservancy in Southeast Zimbabwe is a critical wildlife
conservation area, yet its success is challenged by strained relationships between local
communities and conservation-based developments. This study investigates the
perceptions and trust dynamics shaping these relationships.
Methods: A mixed methods approach combined participant observation, semi-structured
interviews, and a systematic literature review. Data were gathered from 200 participants,
including community members, tourism operators, conservation experts, government
officials, and youth leaders. Fieldwork involved three weeks of community meetings,
conservation planning sessions, and tourism activities. The literature review encompassed
60 peer-reviewed articles, policy reports, and grey literature to contextualize findings.
Results: Findings indicate that trust, transparency, accountability, and benefit sharing
are central to shaping relationships between communities and conservation initiatives.
Survey data revealed that 80% of participants felt disconnected from conservation
efforts, while 75% expressed concerns about limited economic benefits. Trust levels
varied across stakeholders, with local communities reporting the lowest levels and
youth leaders the highest. These disparities highlight the need for inclusive, culturally
sensitive, and benefit-oriented conservation strategies.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of community-centred approaches
to wildlife conservation that align ecological goals with local livelihoods. By situating
conservation within cultural and social contexts, the research contributes to policy and
practice debates in Zimbabwe and similar regions. The findings underscore the need
for inclusive governance frameworks and sustainable benefit-sharing mechanisms,
offering pathways for strengthening long-term trust and collaboration in conservation.
