LARGE-SCALE COLLECTIVE ACTION OVER WILDLIFE AND NATURAL RESOURCES. Prospects in reaching compliance with conservation rules by resource users: The Case of Kavango Zambezi Conservation Area

Abstract

Many of today’s global environmental problems could be mitigated through large-scale collective action between different actors. Still, most theoretical assumptions on how collective action can be reached over natural resources is based on empirical work within small- to medium scale common-pool-resources. Thus, how large-scale collective action is achieved in more large and complex commons such as transfrontier conservation areas over wildlife and natural resources is not that evident. Focusing on the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area in southern Africa, with the point of departure in theories about collective action and the literature of rule compliance, this study examines to what extent previous theories can explain resource user’s willingness to comply with conservation rules imposed by higher state authorities; an aspect that could be important in reaching large-scale collective action. Using a mixed-method design, the study applies public opinion data from the Afrobarometer on corruption and trust in local authorities and these factors’ effect on a proxy measure for rule compliance – deforestation on a local level. Furthermore, unique qualitative data is applied from interviews with elite officials and key stakeholders and their perceptions on resource users’ motives for following conservation rules. Vertical trust, co-management and deterrence strategies are suggested to be important in generating compliance. Still, transboundary conservation could face other challenges such as incompatible policies as well as slow institutional change which in turn could lower compliance.