Unlock tourism beyond wildlife

Tourism makes a significant contribution to conservancies and some of the people who live in these areas. However, more can be done to increase the value of tourism at the local level and use this income to expand other economic activities.

This is according to Dr Linus Kalvelage from the University of Cologne, Germany, who draws on his extensive research in communal conservancies in the Zambezi Region.

Kalvelage, in his research article, considers ways that conservancies can increase income from wildlife, unlock the tourism economy beyond wildlife, and foster entrepreneurship in other sectors.

Intensify value creation

He said to effectively stimulate the regional economy, tourism policy should focus on diversifying tourism products, promoting knowledge transfer, and strengthening linkages between local businesses and existing tourism operations.

"Increasing the variety and quantity of excursions and activities in the region can increase the length of stay of tourists and boost tourism expenditure."

Kalvelage added that cultural tourism, including historical tours, culinary experiences, and exposure to local crafts, music, and dance, has untapped potential, while adventure tourism and agro-tourism can also attract tourists.

He said diversification includes expanding the target market by increasing tourism options.

"Attracting backpackers and budget travellers can increase the number of local stakeholders in the tourism sector and improve the destination's resilience to external shocks."

Kalvelage further said when tourism operations rely on bringing goods and services into the region from urban centres located further away, such as Windhoek, an opportunity is missed to increase the local economic benefits from tourism.

"Sourcing lodge construction materials locally, linking self-employed tour guides to lodges, and sourcing local agricultural products such as meat, eggs and dairy products will increase the local value of tourism."

Unlock the wildlife economy

Kalvelage said in addition to tourism, there is untapped potential for adding value to wildlife products in the Zambezi Region.

According to him, the hides of cattle and many hunted animals currently go unused, although the latter are sent to taxidermies elsewhere in Namibia when they are generated from hunting tourism.

"This presents an opportunity for establishing a business that processes the skins of cattle and hunted animals and prepares them for export. Such a venture could involve activities like tanning and basic taxidermy."

Furthermore, meat from animals hunted in conservancies could be used to produce biltong, a popular and high-value dried meat snack in Namibia, which would then be sold.

Foster entrepreneurship

Kalvelage also argues that cultivating soils to increase fertility, processing agricultural products to add value, and developing economic activities not linked with agricultural production are ways to stimulate economic growth for a growing population without increasing pressure on the land.

"Conservancy members have plenty of entrepreneurial ideas but little means to pursue them. The conservancy could create structures that assist in setting up businesses, invest in its members, and create a space where small businesses flourish without harming the environment."

He said tourism revenues generated by conservancies should therefore be used strategically to stimulate other economic activities that are in line with conservation goals.

"By investing tourism revenues in initiatives such as sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly industries, or community-based enterprises, conservancies can promote a more balanced and resilient regional economy. This approach would not only reduce dependence on tourism but also contribute to long-term environmental and social sustainability."