Role of conservation areas in the well-being of local communities: case of Niassa National Reserve

Abstract

Due to the unsustainability of the exploitation of natural resources in Africa, changes have been made in the management of conservation areas, bringing with it a debate on the social impact of conservation programs. In order to analyze the role of the Niassa National Reserve in the well-being of local communities, work was carried out in two administrative posts of the Niassa National Reserve, the administrative posts of Mecula Headquarters and Lugenda. 136 people were interviewed from community members, local leaders and collaborators of the Niassa National Reserve and after the interviews the collected data were submitted to a descriptive analysis to obtain percentage tables, chi-square independence test and Poisson Regression for check the relationship between variables. The results reveal greater participation of men in management and conservation activities compared to women. Significant differences were found in the way the benefits are harnessed at the two administrative posts studied. Most of the benefits of conservation are barely noticeable to some of the community members as the greatest beneficiaries are the empowered individuals within the community.