Nature tourism, wildlife resources and community-based conservation

A critical barrier to sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation in Malawi is poverty-driven poaching and deforestation, exacerbated by minimal community involvement and weak enforcement of regulations. Qualitative interviews with senior officials revealed that economic hardship prioritizes food security over conservation, while regulatory gaps undermine protection efforts. Despite challenges, Lake Malawi National Park stands out as a vital hub connecting natural resources, history, and local livelihoods, underscoring the need for collaborative conservation strategies to balance tourism development with community needs.

Chilembwe, J. M. (2019). Nature tourism, wildlife resources and community-based conservation. Natural Resources, Tourism and Community Livelihoods in Southern Africa, 26–37. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429289422-3