Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Communities Towards the CAMPFIRE: A Case Study of Selected Districts of Matabeleland

The Community Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) improved conservation and rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe. Despite its perceived benefits, there are controversies around the program amongst different stakeholders, with some arguing that the program has not delivered and continues not to deliver the intended benefits, while others assert that it has benefited the community. This study examines different forms of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of communities toward the CAMPFIRE in Matabeleland. Data were collected through interviews with key informants and questionnaires administered to households in rural areas of Tsholotsho, Hwange, Matobo, and Plumtree from August to November 2022. The study reveals that the CAMPFIRE program had positive impacts on conservation and rural livelihoods in Matabeleland. The findings also suggest that the CAMPFIRE program improved livelihoods of the villagers by creating employment, reducing human-wildlife conflicts, dam scooping and drilling boreholes for them. However, the program also faces several challenges, including insufficient support from the government and low levels of community participation in decision-making. In order to increase the success of CAMPFIRE operations, the study recommends greater community involvement in their planning and execution. As well, the program needs to be better aligned with community needs and priorities, and there is also need to effect robust transparency and accountability in its management.