Ecotourism joint ventures between the private sector and communities: An updated analysis of the Torra Conservancy and Damaraland Camp partnership, Namibia

Abstract

Community-based natural resource management is frequently proposed as a solution to poverty in rural Africa. The extent of Namibia's CBNRM programme's success in terms of joint ventures between the private sector and communities has not been comprehensively analysed. Tangible benefits from joint venture partnerships play an important role in development and poverty reduction, with intangible benefits improving social welfare and local economic development. Questionnaire surveys of staff employed at Damaraland Camp in Torra Conservancy and of households in Torra Conservancy provided insight into the potential benefits of joint ventures. The direct benefit of income from jobs in ecotourism and associated household income diversification opportunities highlight the importance of permanent employment in these remote, rural areas. An analysis of spending patterns, attitudes to tourism, non-governmental organisations and the conservancy illustrated the level of success achieved by joint venture partnerships in terms of poverty reduction, local socio-economic development and changes in attitudes.