Improving Positivity Towards Nature Conservation: Cases of Local Communities Bordering Protected Areas in South Africa

Benefit sharing refers to benefits emanating from natural protected areas to neighbouring communities. These benefits are often derived from the tourism ventures within these areas and should improve the socio-economic environment of communities. In the South African context, beneficiation appears to be a key influence in encouraging communities to support conservation efforts, rather than desiring the land for alternative uses. While numerous studies have been done on the necessity of benefits, less research has focused on which benefits improve positivity towards nature conservation. This is surprising considering how important this knowledge is to community well-being and a thriving wildlife tourism industry. This paper, therefore, aims to determine which benefits, in addition to those already present, would make local communities more positive towards neighbouring protected areas. Data were collected at three local communities, each bordering a protected area containing a tourism venture—Kekana Gardens community (Dinokeng Game Reserve); Khanyayo community (Mkhambathi Nature Reserve) and Mnqobokazi community (Phinda Private Game Reserve). Participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Qualitative data were gathered using focus group interviews with 56 community members. The paper first discusses the main findings from each case, followed by cross-case analysis. Employment was common across all three. At Dinokeng, locals clearly requested information, education, involvement and the meeting of basic needs. For Mkhambathi, much was said about development and infrastructure being vital for locals and tourists. The desire to be informed of and involved in the reserve also emerged. For Phinda, which has the most developed community beneficiation programmes, locals had less to say. They focused on education, particularly infrastructure (colleges and schools) and education (bursaries and nature conservation training). The paper ends by providing recommendations regarding what tourism and protected area managers can do differently in future to enhance community well-being and the continuance of Africa’s wild spaces.