Community Based Natural Resources Management In Botswana, History & Development (CBNRM)

Overview of CBNRM in Botswana Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) is a development approach that supports natural resources conservation. CBNRM as a natural resources conservation approach, brings along with it income and employment benefits. The concept CBNRM was introduced in 1989 in Botswana, as a USAID-funded Natural Resources Management Programme (NRMP), housed within the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP).

CBNRM started as a pilot programme in communities neighbouring wildlife protection areas, as effort to involve rural communities in natural resources conservation, especially wildlife, hence reduce the wildlife-human conflicts. CBNRM therefore started as a conservation effort rather than as a need for social empowerment or economic development in rural settlements.

Objectives of CBNRM
To promote natural resources conservation and sustainable utilization by the local communities, while reaping economic and social benefits.

History and development of CBNRM
The first CBNRM projects started in 1993, called Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust. To date the number of CBNRM projects has grown rapidly, especially during the 1990’s, and there are 46 registered and developed trusts. CBNRM projects or activities now cover about eight (8) Districts of Botswana, 130 villages and approximately 40 000 people. Since its inception, the following milestones could be identified:

1993 – 1st CBNRM project in Botswana

1998 – Establishment of BOCOBONET – (umbrella body for CBOs)

1999 – NRMP discontinued

2002 – CBNRM recognized in the revised Rural Development Policy