Publications
This collection includes research by AWEI Fellows and others as well as resources relevant to Africa's wildlife economy.
If you are interested in contributing to AWEI's research - as a researcher, partner or sponsor - please do contact us.
Featured publications
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Wildlife Utilization and Game Ranching
/awei/sites/default/files/1976-WildlifeUtilizationAndGameRanching.pdfThis study was undertaken to evaluate the status of game ranching in southern Africa, developments there in this field, and the impact of game ranching on wildlife conservation, so that the prospects for game ranching as a form of land use in developing countries may be assessed.
Mossman, S.L. and Mossman, A.S., 1976. Wildlife utilization and game ranching. National Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
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Zimbabwe Biodiversity Economy Report
/awei/sites/default/files/2023-ZimbabweBiodiversityEconomyReport.pdfZimbabwe is looking to develop its biodiversity economy as a means of contributing to its goals of achieving middle-income status by 2030 and following a greener growth path... The overall aims of this report are to describe the current status of the biodiversity economy in Zimbabwe, to increase appreciation of the contribution of biodiversity to the economy and livelihoods, to foster investment in the conservation and responsible use of biodiversity, and to chart the way forward in raising the visibility of nature’s contributions to people through natural capital accounting.
Also available here: Zimbabwe Biodiversity Economy: Status Report, Investment Blueprint and Framework for Natural Capital Accounting (2023) | African Wildlife Foundation (awf.org)
Zimbabwe Biodiversity Economy: Status Report, Investment Blueprint and Framework for Natural Capital Accounting. (2023). Government of Zimbabwe Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Anchor Environmental ConsultantsZimbabwe Environmental Law Association -
Game Meat Strategy for South Africa
/awei/sites/default/files/2023-GameMeatStrategyForSouthAfrica-Gazette49620.pdfThis report formulates the strategy to expand, differentiate and formalise the game meat industry in SA which has shown considerable potential for growth. If developed appropriately, in the context of a biodiversity conservation and sustainable use perspective, this market could contribute favourably to economic development, job creation, food security and sectoral transformation.
The report is a significant step forward in support of the global commitment to mainstream the sustainable use of wild species. (CBD DEC 15/23) and will not only support the growth of a sustainable wild meat sector in South Africa but also provide insights for the development of similar strategies in other countries across the continent.
There was an extensive consultation process for this report and AWEI provided both written and verbal comments. AWEI Fellow, Biandri Jourbet, is referenced in the report regarding intra African trade in wild meat.
DFFE 2023. Game Meat Strategy for South Africa. Gazette No. 49620, 08 Nov 2023.
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Opportunities in Mine Action for Mainstreaming of Environmental Protection and Conservation
/awei/sites/default/files/2023-MineActionConservation.pdfEmily CrystieThis paper explores opportunities in the mine action sector for the mainstreaming of environmental protection and conservation. The paper presents an argument for evidence based environmental activities based on a holistic understanding of the environmental impacts of landmines and other explosive ordnance over time. Accordingly, a framework is drawn from the ‘warfare ecology’ field of study to structure an understanding of impacts as they occur throughout the entire lifecycle of war, incorporating the preparatory phase, wartime phase and post-war phase. Opportunities identified demonstrate the utility of moving beyond a ‘do no harm’ approach in order to adequately identify environmental impacts both within, and beyond minefield boundaries, and effectively address them by facilitating research and conservation efforts, accessing broader funding opportunities, and aligning mine action activities with the global biodiversity and development agendas.
Dr Francis Vorhies, AWEI Director, co-supervised this study. It demonstrates the role that sustainable use of wild species can play in aligning livelihoods and landscapes in a landmine removal operation.
Chrystie, Emily. 2023. Opportunities in Mine Action for Mainstreaming of Environmental Protection and Conservation. MS thesis, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences.
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Witsand Report – A pilot wildlife enterprise baseline assessment of Moodie’s Farm
/awei/sites/default/files/2023-AWEI-WitsandReport-Draft21Jun2023.pdfDr Wiseman NdlovuMr Reinhard Bonke NyandireMs Savanna StraussMs Deborah VorhiesDr Francis VorhiesMs Beverley WynneWitsand Report – A pilot wildlife enterprise baseline assessment of Moodie’s Farm
Prepared by the AWEI Team – Wiseman Ndlovu, Reinhard Nyandire, Savanna Strauss, Deborah Vorhies, Francis Vorhies, and Beverly Wynne
This pilot rapid area assessment report for Witsand Moodie’s farm was conducted from the 8th to 10th of March 2023. The assessment was conducted by a joint team from AWEI, the leaseholder and the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Stellenbosch... This rapid area assessment for Moodie’s unpacked the governance, ecology, and socio-economic status of Moodie’s farm and the surrounding farms and communities. The ultimate aim of the assessment was to identify potential for the development of wildlife enterprises on the property.
Ndlovu, Wiseman, et al (2023). Witsand Report – A pilot wildlife enterprise baseline assessment of Moodie’s Farm. AWEI, Stellenbosch University.
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Importance of private and communal lands to sustainable conservation of Africa's rhinoceroses
/awei/sites/default/files/2023-PrivateCommunalLandsConservationRhinos.pdfDr Hayley ClementsDave BalfourEnrico Di MininA new path for rhinoceros (rhino) conservation is needed... We aggregated African rhino population data, highlighting the growing role of private and community rhino custodians, who likely now conserve >50% of Africa’s rhinos. Their contribution has been enabled by a supportive policy and economic environment, but this arrangement is becoming more difficult to sustain as costs associated with protecting rhinos skyrocket and revenue-generating options become insufficient...
As the role of private and community custodianship becomes increasingly central to the protection of Africa’s remaining rhinos, its resilience must be strengthened through implementation of adaptive policies that incentivize rhino conservation. We outline policy pathways to provide an enabling environment for rhino conservation beyond state parks.
Clements, H., Balfour, D. & Di Minin, E. (2023). Importance of private and communal lands to sustainable conservation of Africa’s rhinoceroses. Front Ecol Environ, 21(3), 140–147. 10.1002/fee.2593 (https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.2593)
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The Rhino Horn Trade: Everything You Need To Know
/awei/sites/default/files/2022-TheRhinoHornTrade.pdfJacob ArgueThe illegal trade in rhino horn is a heated topic within conservation. Supporters and detractors of trade legalization can both find reputable research in support of their positions. As a result, there is a tendency to speak past one another, firmly convinced of the veracity of one’s own arguments, and unable to comprehend the reservations of the other side. This report was conceived as a foundation of shared knowledge for researchers, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to understand the complex dynamics of the rhino horn trade, and to find areas of collective agreement where they can work together for the betterment of the species. While this report includes recommended policy options, its value as a repository of pertinent information on all critical dimensions of the rhino horn trade sets it apart from other research and should make it a useful resource whether or not one agrees with the conclusions.
Argue, Jacob. 2022. The Rhino Horn Trade: Everything You Need To Know. Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Policy Sanford School of Public Policy Duke University.
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Wildcheck – Assessing the Risks and Opportunities of Trade in Wild Plant Ingredients
/awei/sites/default/files/cb9267en_0.pdfOf the twelve flagship wild-harvested ingredients reviewed, the majority of the risk assessment results (both biological and social) are Medium or High, with only one Low biological and one Low social result. This shows that these ingredients must be considered in due diligence, policies, and purchasing decisions. However, across the twelve ingredients, a range of engaging opportunities are noted including sustainable harvest, wildlife conservation and restoration, access and benefit sharing, research, partnerships, and engagement with best practice standards and certification. The outlook for these flagships, and for wild ingredients as a whole, can be bright if appropriate actions such as those suggested throughout the report are taken by various stakeholders now.
Schindler, C., Heral, E., Drinkwater, E., Timoshyna, A., Muir, G., Walter, S., Leaman, D.J. and Schippmann, U. 2022. Wild check – Assessing risks and opportunities of trade in wild plant ingredients. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/ cb9267en
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Getting Blended Finance to Where It’s Needed: The Case of CBNRM Enterprises in Southern Africa
/awei/sites/default/files/2022-GettingBlendedFinance.pdfBlended finance aims to unlock additional private finance for the sustainable development goals (SDGs), however, it has not yet reached the anticipated scale to deliver on SDG 15: Life on Land. So far, blended finance approaches have not been fully adapted to the context where conservation activities take place, for example on communal lands—a common tenure arrangement for conservation in southern Africa. This study identifies opportunities, barriers, and risks to up-scaling private finance for nature in the context of community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) in southern Africa. It considers the feasibility and desirability of relevant revenue streams towards achieving long-term financial sustainability in conservation landscapes, including sustainable wildlife economies and payment for ecosystem services (PES), and involving indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs), particularly within CBNRM tenure arrangements. It concludes that a ‘CBNRM investment guarantee’ or similar would be transformational for hundreds of thousands of conservation enterprises and their beneficiaries regionally, but currently, no such tailored de-risking mechanism exists.
Smith, Jessica, Mikael Samuelson, Benedict M. Libanda, Dilys Roe, and Latif Alhassan. 2022. "Getting Blended Finance to Where It’s Needed: The Case of CBNRM Enterprises in Southern Africa" Land 11, no. 5: 637. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11050637
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The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful: Ethics and Hunting
/awei/sites/default/files/2022-EthicsAndHunting-DeborahVorhies.pdfMs Deborah VorhiesThe subject of hunting is characterised by opposing and increasingly divergent views as to its moral acceptability, and how policy and regulation should deal with it. This thesis argues, however, that policy, particularly at the international level, is needed to address this divergence, in order to prevent negative consequences, whether they be conservation or economic outcomes. It utilises philosophical perspectives to try to understand the background and various positions of the different stakeholders engaged in and affected by hunting, and the complex relationship between hunting and environmental ethics.
Vorhies, Deborah. (2022). The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful: Ethics and Hunting. University of Buckingham.
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Framework For Action On Biodiversity For Food And Agriculture
/awei/sites/default/files/2022-FAO-BiodiversityForFoodAndAgriculture.pdfBiodiversity for food and agriculture comprises all the components of biodiversity that contribute to crop and livestock production, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture – both wild and domesticated, and at genetic, species and ecosystem levels. It is vital to food security and nutrition, livelihoods and the supply of a range of ecosystem services.
The Framework for Action on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture was endorsed by the FAO Council in 2021. It contains more than 50 individual actions grouped into three strategic priority areas: characterization, assessment and monitoring; management (sustainable use and conservation); and institutional frameworks. It was developed in response to the country-driven report on The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture.
FAO. 2022. Framework for Action on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture. FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb8338en
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Also, submitted as an information document for CBD SBSTTA 24 - https://www.cbd.int/meetings/SBSTTA-24
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Sustainable Use: A Contentious Promise
/awei/sites/default/files/2022-SustainableUseAContentiousPromise.pdfMs Mara GlasSustainable Use: A Contentious Promise
A Case Study on International Funding of Consumptive Sustainable Wildlife Use in South Africa's Biodiversity Economy
In South Africa, sustainable use of wildlife is widely recognized as providing economic incentives and actively engaging rural communities in conservation management. Aiming to combat rampant poverty and wildlife crime in communities around protected areas (PAs), the country’s biodiversity economy envisions to scale (non-)consumptive activities in the pursuit of creating economically and environmentally viable wildlife businesses. Nevertheless, past findings suggest that international funding of previous communal resource programmes has focused mainly on the development of non–consumptive uses, namely ecotourism, while neglecting multidimensional benefits arising from consumptive wildlife uses (i.e. hunting, bioprospecting). Using qualitative research, this study assesses international conservation finance actors' (ICFAs) attitudes toward consumptive sustainable use and its perceived potential and limitations in scaling up in the biodiversity economy.
Glas, Mara. (2022). Sustainable Use: A Contentious Promise - A Case Study on International Funding of Consumptive Sustainable Wildlife Use in South Africa's Biodiversity Economy. Bachelor Thesis. University of Lund.
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A Descriptive Study on the Carcass, Muscle, and Offal Yields of the Plains Zebra (Equus quagga) Harvested in Two Seasons
/awei/sites/default/files/2022-HarvestedPlainsZebraStudy.pdfEquine species are not a common protein source in South Africa, despite being popular in European countries. Horses are known for producing highly nutrient-dense, lean meat, with high dressing percentages. An African equine species with promising production potential is the Plains zebra, which has received very little attention in this regard... Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the meat production potential of the Plains zebra by investigating carcass characteristics as well as meat and offal contributions. Dressing percentages were favourably comparable to equine, game, and livestock species. The considerable contribution of the edible by-products and the high muscle yield, indicate that the Plains zebra can potentially be used as a valuable protein source, thereby contributing to food security in especially rural areas of South Africa.
Myburgh, A.; Lambrechts, H.; Hoffman, L.C. A Descriptive Study on the Carcass, Muscle, and Offal Yields of the Plains Zebra (Equus quagga) Harvested in Two Seasons. Animals 2023, 13, 50. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13010050
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Liberalising Intra Africa Trade in Wild Meat - Report of Research Findings and Recommendations
/awei/sites/default/files/2022-AWEI-IntraAfricaWildMeatTrade-FindingsRecommendations.pdfDr Biandri JoubertTaking advantage of the opportunities offered by the AfCFTA to grow trade in wild meat will be greatly facilitated by identifying and addressing non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that restrict the intra-African wild meat trade. This report evaluates aspects of the AfCFTA NTB Reporting, Monitoring and Elimination Mechanism and in particular and considers its appropriateness as a forum of dispute resolution for the barriers identified within the scope of this research.
This research considered the AfCFTA NTB mechanism as an appropriate forum of dispute resolution for the barriers identified as within the scope of this research. This research aimed to develop policy recommendations that have the potential to effect actual change in the industry.
In addition to downloading this report, you will find a summary here.
Also, click here for a one-hour e-learning journey on this research.
Joubert, Biandri. (2022). Liberalising Intra Africa Trade in Wild Meat - Report of Research Findings and Recommendations. African Wildlife Economy Institute, Stellenbosch University.
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Wild Plant Value Chain Analysis of Combretum Micranthum, Opuntia Tuna, and Aloe Ferox
/awei/sites/default/files/2022-AWEI-Sarr-WildPlantValueChainAnalysis.pdfMs Mame Diarra SarrThe African flora is one of the richest in the world with 68,000 plant species, and the West African region and South Africa are positioned in a very strategic position in that biodiversity richness. With the interesting selection of plants, the objective of this research report is to explore ways through which sustainable harvesting and valorisation of wild plants through commercialization and possible monetization of provided ecosystem services can contribute to a range of SDG outcomes in the African continent and worldwide.
Sarr, Mame Diarra. (2022). Wild Plant Value Chain Analysis of Combretum Micranthum, Opuntia Tuna, and Aloe Ferox. African Wildlife Economy Institute, Stellenbosch University.
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Lessons from COVID-19 for wildlife ranching in a changing world
/awei/sites/default/files/Clements%20et%20al.%202022%20Lessons%20from%20COVID-19%20for%20wildlife%20ranching%20in%20a%20changing%20world.pdfDr Hayley ClementsMatthew F. ChildLehman LindequeKyra LunderstedtAlta De VosThe COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to assess the impacts of a global disturbance on conservation land uses and learn from responses to the crisis to enable more resilient conservation systems. To understand socio-economic responses of diverse wildlife working lands to COVID-19, we surveyed owners and managers of 78 private wildlife ranches (wildlife working lands), 23 agricultural farms (conventional working lands) and six public protected areas (conventional conservation lands) in South Africa. Most protected areas lost more than 75% of their revenues during 2020, while most agricultural farms lost less than 10%. The impact on wildlife ranches was more varied. Ranches with more diverse activities, particularly mixed wildlife–agriculture systems, lost less revenue, shifting their activities from those heavily impacted (international ecotourism, trophy hunting) to those less affected (for example, wildlife meat, livestock). This adaptive capacity suggests that wildlife-based enterprises could represent key ecosystem-based adaptations, providing lessons for integrated global policies that seek to incorporate private land models in the 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework.
Clements, H.S., Child, M.F., Lindeque, L. et al. Lessons from COVID-19 for wildlife ranching in a changing world. Nat Sustain 5, 1040–1048 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-022-00961-1
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Draft White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biodiversity 2022
The White Paper sets forth the following vision: "A prosperous nation, living in harmony with nature, where biodiversity is conserved for present and future generations, and secures equitable livelihoods and improved human well-being". The White Paper is aspirational and advocates activities that enhance the well-being of people and nature at the same time. The approach identifies the path, out of unsustainable practices, toward a world where all people have a high quality of life, a voice, and a nurturing earth supporting them. As such, the policy sets out the following impact statement: 'Thriving People and Nature'.
The Draft White Paper was released by South Africa's Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment in July 2022 for public comment.
DFFE, South Africa -
Draft Game Meat Strategy for South Africa 2022
/awei/sites/default/files/2022-DFFE-DraftGameMeatStrategy.pdfThis report formulates the strategy and implementation plan to expand, differentiate and formalise the Game Meat Industry in South Africa which has shown considerable potential for growth. If developed properly, considered from a sustainability perspective, this market is compatible with biodiversity conservation and could contribute favorably to economic development, job creation, food security and sectoral transformation.
The Draft Game Meat Strategy was released by South Africa's Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment in July 2022 for public comment.
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Coastal blue carbon stocks in Tanzania and Mozambique - Support for climate adaptation and mitigation actions
/awei/sites/default/files/2021-CoastalBlueCarbonStocksTanzaniaMozambique.pdfDr Francis VorhiesThis report presents the status of blue carbon habitats in the understudied Western Indian Ocean. The report provides new data from a comprehensive assessment of blue carbon stocks from coastal habitats (mangroves and seagrass meadows) within and outside existing protected areas of Tanzania and southern Mozambique. Hotspot areas of coastal blue carbon sequestration and storage were primarily identified in areas of large, continuous and relatively sheltered mangroves and seagrass meadows.
Martin Gullström, Martin Dahl, Olof Lindén, Francis Vorhies, Sara Forsberg, Rashid O. Ismail and Mats Björk (2021). Coastal blue carbon stocks in Tanzania and Mozambique: Support for climate adaptation and mitigation actions. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.
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Discussion Paper on Kenya’s Wildlife Economy
/awei/sites/default/files/2021-DiscussionPaperKenyaWildlifeEconomy-Draft29March2021.pdfMs Elizabeth Gitari-MitaruDr Francis VorhiesSue SynmanDaudi SumbaDiscussion Paper on Kenya’s Wildlife Economy
This discussion paper has been prepared to support a national consultation on the wildlife economy engaging key stakeholders in contributing to the development of new national wildlife economy strategy that will:
- support improved livelihoods for the local people;
- enhance “user” rights and involvement of communities; and
- create opportunities for private sector investment in wildlife conservation practices
Elizabeth Gitari, Sue Snyman, Daudi Sumba, and Francis Vorhies (Working Draft 29 March 2021.) Discussion Paper on Kenya’s Wildlife Economy. School of Wildlife Conservation, African Leadership University supported by the Wildlife Unit of the United Nations Environment Programme.
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Beyond Tourism: Assessing the Viability of Community-Based Natural Resource Enterprises in Africa
/awei/sites/default/files/2021-WWF-BeyondTourism.pdfWhile WWF wishes to support community-based natural resource enterprises with the greatest potential to have positive long-term impacts on nature and livelihoods, the viability of such enterprises is seldom objectively evaluated before they are initiated… The purpose of this assessment is to assess and rank existing candidate enterprises in WWF priority landscapes in Africa, in terms of their future viability and potential long-term contributions to people and nature.
Christo Fabricius, Bianca Currie, Monicah Mbiba, and Herbert Ntuli. (2021.) Beyond Tourism: Assessing the Viability of Community-Based Natural Resource Enterprises In Africa. WWF.
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Implications of the African Continental Free Trade Area for Trade and Biodiversity: Policy and Regulatory Recommendations
/awei/sites/default/files/2021-UNCTAD-Biotrade-ACFTA-Biodiversity.pdfA targeted approach under the AfCFTA could thus foster intra-African trade in biological resources and derived value added products and services, while conserving globally significant biodiversity, furthering mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, and improving livelihoods...This study reviews the potential implications of, and opportunities presented by the AfCFTA for legal and sustainable trade in biodiversity/BioTrade and access and benefit-sharing (ABS).
UNCTAD Biotrade Initiative (2021). Implications of the African Continental Free Trade Area for Trade and Biodiversity: Policy and Regulatory Recommendations. UNCTAD/DITC/TED/INF/2021/3.
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In a complex and changing world, AWEI generates strategic ideas, conducts independent analysis on wildlife economies, and collaborates with global scholar-practitioners to provide training and expertise for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and inclusive economic opportunities in Africa.
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In a complex and changing world, AWEI generates strategic ideas, conducts independent analysis on wildlife economies, and collaborates with global scholar-practitioners to provide training and expertise for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and inclusive economic opportunities in Africa.