ABSTRACT
In Botswana, the tourism sector is viewed as an avenue to diversify the economy from the mining sector. However, the sector has largely failed to make significant contributions to rural development, particularly in the Okavango Delta where it is concentrated. The failure is attributed to factors such as the weak linkages of tourism with the domestic economy, conflicts between tourism and the agricultural sector. Generally, the Okavango Delta has experienced negative natural resource dynamics such as increasing competition and conflicts over natural resources, biodiversity loss and some cases of natural resource depletion. This chapter uses empirical data from focus group discussions, key informants, interviews and household surveys to analyse the conflicts and coexistence between agriculture and tourism in the Okavango Delta region. The results suggest that the emergence and development of contemporary land use in the region, such as wildlife management areas and tourism, have created conflicts between traditional land uses and contemporary ones. Furthermore, the farmers seem to have negative attitudes towards wildlife conservation and tourism development in and around the Okavango Delta. The findings help acknowledge the diversity and complexity of natural resources utilisation and needs in various communities in an attempt to promote the attainment of a balance between the promotion of conservation and rural livelihoods.
