Unlocking opportunities for meaningful participation of land reform beneficiaries in the wildlife economy

Land reform is a key social justice movement across the world, typically focused on agricultural land uses. However, in many parts of the world, land reform properties exist in regions with high biodiversity value, where options exist for integrating land reform with wildlife-based land uses to promote both conservation and socioeconomic development. To effectively design and implement policies that unlock opportunities for the participation of land reform beneficiaries in the wildlife economy, we need information on the opportunities and barriers confronting the establishment and operation of viable wildlife enterprises on redistributed land. 

We conducted a survey of 19 landholders awarded land through reform in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. We aimed to understand the state of wildlife economy development and assess investment needs for these market entrants. Their characteristics were contrasted with data on 74 established wildlife ranches and 21 conventional livestock farms. Despite all land reform properties listing wildlife-based economic activities in their business plans and most (84%) having wildlife, only 42% were generating (very limited) income from their wildlife. Common barriers to scaling up revenues from wildlife were a lack of infrastructure (particularly fencing, water, and accommodation) and limited wildlife stocks. Engagement in the wildlife economy is further hindered by a lack of decision support for viable wildlife business models, and a subsequent lack of access to skills development and market information. 

Our results show mismatches between activities that are supported by the government and property business plans, and those that are context-appropriate and viable. We suggest that South Africa’s land reform programmes need to develop targeted infrastructure and skills development that considers the most appropriate business model for a given site. The barriers and opportunities outlined here can inform strategies that leverage state and private investment to create more viable wildlife-based business models and achieve the dual goals of social justice and biodiversity conservation in South Africa.