A socio-ecological study for the management of the Mthethomusha Game Reserve as a tribal resource area

Abstract

Many conservation areas in South Africa, especially with the political changes that is taking place, are forced to consider the socio-economic situation of the people surrounding the reserves. The management of the Mthethomusha Game Reserve in KaNgwane therefore aimed at providing in the needs of the people while still maintaining conservation objectives. First a sociological study was under taken to determine the demographic profile of the people living next to the Mthethomusha game reserve and also to determine their needs regarding resources from the game reserve as well as their development needs. The wood resource was quantitatively measured by first having a pilot study done to determine where the resource is located and then a base line study was done where the density and dialmeter of the different fire wood species were measured. The base line data was then combined with the allometric data to determine biomass. It was then possible to estimate production. The best way in which the wildlife resource could be managed was to determine the best species composition that could be optimally used. The utilisation values of game which include trophy hunting-, carcass-, live sale- and tourism values were determined, for each species. A goal programming model was developed where the utilisation values were alternatively run as priority with the ecological and management constraints and assumptions. Several solutions were obtained, the solution with trophy hunting as priority resulted in the most suitable species composition to satisfy game viewing and to produce the most trophy animals for hunting. Because the over-utilisation of the resource base is economically driven, the only way to change people's attitude towards the environment is to change their economic circumstances. Conservation development is sustainable development and although the harvesting of natural resources from conservation areas contribute a little to the economy it influences peoples attitudes. However, job creation makes a real difference. This can only be achieved with optimum development. To allow for fair distribution of benefits, it is important to create the right institutional structures. Conservation agencies have to play the role as initiator and facilitator.