Lifting of the hunting ban and the elephant debate in Botswana

Abstract

Worldwide, trophy hunting remains a contested and controversial issue. This chapter analyses the lifting of the hunting ban and the elephant debate in Botswana. It further analyses its implications to conservation and development in Southern Africa. This analysis is informed by the socio-ecological theory and draws from qualitative fieldwork, before and after the hunting ban. This includes a series of key informant interviews, review of government and community-based organisations’ materials, sustained engagement with domestic and international media reports and social media content (Facebook and Twitter). Data on trophy hunting, human–wildlife interactions and wildlife conservation were collected. The reintroduction of hunting in 2019 in Botswana sparked an international outcry, especially from citizens of the Global North. The ever-increasing elephant population in Botswana has caused economic and social and food insecurity for citizens of Botswana. Despite differences between the Global North and South, trophy hunting provides incentives for wildlife conservation and rural communities’ development. Trade bans by some Western countries and trade restrictions by CITES also affect local economies in the Global South. In conclusion, any policy shifts that affect wildlife conservation and rural livelihoods need to be informed by a socio-ecological approach. This participatory and scientific approach to decision-making has the potential to contribute to sustainable livelihoods and wildlife conservation in Botswana and southern Africa.