Applied Research in Southern Africa

Ethnobiology, conservation and livelihood strategies, Central Kalahari

This project will explore the potential contribution of traditional environmental knowledge to local livelihood options for San and Bakgalagadi (Tswana-speaking) communities living in and around protected areas in the Central Kalahari, Botswana.

We hope to promote local ecological knowledge and natural resource management initiatives, and provide empirical data for evaluating the viability of resource-based livelihoods. We will work with San and Bakgalagadi communities living in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and nearby resettlement areas to produce ethnofloras, field guides and biodiversity registers.