The rise of commercial poaching in Namibia: a socio-economic perspective

The escalation in poaching across Africa over the past decade threatens the long-term persistence of rhinoceros populations. Much research has been conducted on the demand for rhinoceros horn, including market assessments and... [ view full abstract ]

The escalation in poaching across Africa over the past decade threatens the long-term persistence of rhinoceros populations. Much research has been conducted on the demand for rhinoceros horn, including market assessments and end-user studies, but significantly less research has been conducted on the supply side. While some case studies do exist, there are gaps in the literature regarding the factors and socio-economic stresses that lead individuals to become involved with the commercial poaching trade. We explore the political, economic, educational, and familial background of individuals at all domestic tiers of poaching syndicates in order to provide more problem-oriented context to alternative livelihood and anti-poaching program designers. Between May and August 2017, we conducted key informant interviews and group interviews with 80 informants including former poachers, local farmers and herders, various conservancy members, conservancy committee members, NGO representatives, government representatives, game rangers, trackers, park management, and tourism representatives. Principal Components (PCA) and cluster analysis produced visual representations of the multi-tiered commercial poaching syndicates operating in Namibia with profiling of individuals at each tier. Socio-economic stresses including high unemployment rates, alcohol and drug abuse, shortage of well-equipped and trained rangers, dissatisfaction with conservancy benefit distribution plans, and the cultural importance of demonstrable wealth and social status are discussed along with potential mitigation strategies and results-based solutions. A series of recommendations are provided for improved efficiency in the handling of wildlife crime cases, local-level engagement strategies for increasing pro-rhinoceros behavior, and resource allocation from international donors.