The utilization of modern technology to advance management techniques in the South African game farming industry

Abstract

Game farming or wildlife ranching, as it is commonly known, is a major constituent of the South African tourism industry. Technology can be integrated with current management practices under the four pillars of the industry, known as breeding, hunting, ecotourism and game products, to advance management techniques in the game farming industry. The main objective of this study was to identify modern technologies that can be used as managerial tools in different areas of the South African wildlife ranching industry to ensure its future sustainability. To clearly identify what technologies can be used, this study was based on knowledge gained through a literature review and the evaluation of the empirical data collected from 263 participants, on which recommendations were based for modern technologies that can be used as managerial tools in different areas of the South African game farming industry. Recommendations were based on the suitability of each technology for each of the fundamental management pillars of the industry and suggestions were made for future studies on this topic.