Wildlife, conservation and the Tonga in Omay

There has been conflict in Zimbabwe between the Tonga, who regard wildlife and fish in Kariba as resources that should meet their food and income needs, and wildlife conservationists who want wildlife preserved. The Tonga see the enforcement of wildlife conservation laws as a way of denying them their livelihood. Colonial wildlife conservation strategies were based on law enforcement and not on educating people in the importance of conservation; the Tonga were intimidated by the law but have never respected forced conservation. This paper examines the traditional conservation strategy and the new Campfire approach which recognizes community participation as the key to conservation. The paper examines the evidence for any changes in attitudes, and considers whether the Tonga will now voluntarily participate in wildlife conservation. The author hypothesizes that since the Tonga have been treated unjustly for so long, it may be difficult for them to participate in conservation even if the Campfire approach has good intentions.