The SWM Programme in Botswana operates in the ‘Ngamiland 8’ (NG8) area, encompassing the Habu, Tubu, and Nokaneng communities. Located in the communal livestock grazing areas of western Ngamiland, the SWM Programme is supporting Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) initiatives to manage wildlife sustainably, and improve food security and livelihood opportunities. A key objective is fostering coexistence between people and wildlife, thus reducing human-wildlife conflict and poaching. Ultimately, the SWM Programme aims to establish a network of well-managed community conservation areas that generate sustainable socio-economic benefits and ensure ecological connectivity within the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.
The SWM Programme in Botswana is working with the Habu, Tubu, and Nokaneng communities. Field activities are coordinated by FAO and implemented by Wild Entrust Africa (WEA) in partnership with the Habu Community Development Trust (HCDT).
Output 1: Community rights and governance
A comprehensive review and analysis of around 369 legal texts related to wildlife and other sectors was completed and validated by the government. FAO collaborates with the Government of Botswana to develop draft legislation for CBNRM, granting communities the right to manage and utilize their natural resources. The Programme actively supports the government by providing feedback on the draft CBNRM Bill, which is currently under review.
Output 2: Adaptive wildlife management
Following village-wide consultations, the communities in NG8 agreed to begin the process of reasserting their rights over communal land in the area. This is a key step in the formalization of community conservation areas. The SWM Programme co funds half of Habu's 30 community scouts, who work on wildlife monitoring and herding. Regional coordination included thematic visits, learning tours, and training on human-wildlife conflict mitigation across the four KAZA countries (Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe).
Output 3: Healthy and sustainable supply chains and consumption
Efforts to strengthen domestic meat production in Habu included developing a butchery management plan after the butchery's construction in 2022 by the District Council. Equipping and electrifying the butchery is in progress, with cold storage, fridges, and meat processing tools purchased. Alternative protein production systems, such as guinea fowl, chicken farming, and aquaculture, are being explored to diversify diets and reduce reliance on wildlife for food, potentially lowering zoonotic disease risks and introducing safer food supply chains.
Output 4: Zoonotic risk prevention and management
A Community Butchery Management Plan was drafted to ensure structured and sanitary meat handling, reducing the transmission of wildlife-borne diseases between animals and humans.
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