Evaluation compliance with mandatory standard operating procedures by communal conservancies in Namibia

Abstract

The study evaluated the compliance of Namibian communal conservancies with mandatory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT). The specific objectives of the study were to (1) Compile an inventory of all the communal conservancies in Namibia, (2) establish and determine the performance and level of compliance, (3) select case studies for further investigation, based on the level of compliance, to understand obstacles and challenges, and (4) recommend interventions to improve the compliance. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used, comprising secondary data and a cross-case analysis of four case studies, through interviews. Findings indicated that the number of conservancies in Namibia grew from four in 1998 to 86 conservancies and one association in 2018, with Kunene region having the highest number of conservancies. This increase resulted in an increase in the total area under conservation. Tourism and trophy hunting are the main sources of income for most of the conservancies, complemented by indigenous natural products. Results indicated that Nyae Nyae and Ehirovipuka were found to be more compliant, compared to Eiseb and Ovitoto in terms of holding AGMs per constitution, conducting conservancy management committee (CMC) elections, managing wildlife according to the Game management and Utilisation Plan, distributing benefits as per the Benefit Distribution Plan, and producing annual financial reports. According to the respondents, lack of funds or income, level of awareness and understanding of conservancies’ constitutions, lack of zonation plans, and poor management by the CMC, were some of the reasons why conservancies failed to comply with requirements. The study suggested that local governance structures need more external support from MEFT and NGOs, in order to ensure compliance. It was recommended that capacity building within conservancies’ governance structures needed strengthening, and member engagement and awareness required for better understanding of conservancies’ constitutions by members. Finally, compliance can be achieved in the long term, if there is collaboration between stakeholders.