We have that connection, we have love; we take wildlife as gifts from our ancestors”
Relations between antelopes and Khwe in Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8249308 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Romie Nghitevelekwa (0000-0002-0716-0598, University of Namibia, corresponding author), Selma Lendelvo (0000-0002-9793-6950, University of Namibia), Ndapewa Fenny Nakanyete (0000-0002-8327-4685, University of Namibia), Kletus Likuwa (0000-0001-8208-0646, University of Namibia), Kenneth Matengu (0000-0003-3438-5052, University of Namibia), David Mushavanga (0009-0001-8842-6182, Resident, Bwabwata National Park, Namibia) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 183-196 |
| Publication date | 2024-08-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Anthropology Southern Africa (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2332-3264 • E-ISSN: 2332-3256 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/23323256.2024.2357763 |
| OpenAlex | W4401411409 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 34 |
Wildlife plays significant roles in many societies that go beyond its ecological importance and economic rationale associated with conservation. This article examines the meanings of antelopes for the Khwe people in Bwabwata National Park in north-eastern Namibia. It underlines the importance that indigenous communities attach to wildlife and advocates for a more comprehensive understanding of human-wildlife relationships beyond ecological and economic values and the usual framing of conflicting relationships. The article explores how antelopes go beyond being merely "wild animals" to being intertwined in the lives and spaces of the Khwe. Drawing from secondary data, lived experiences and empirical data collected through qualitative methods of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, we engage Khwe residents in Bwabwata National Park, including elders, traditional leaders and the management committee of the Kyaramacan Association. Our fundamental question is: what lessons can we draw from the relations of the Khwe with certain antelope species to foster coexistence in Namibia's community conservation landscapes? Conceptually, we adopt the concept of mechanical solidarity, which emphasises a collective conscience based on shared knowledge, norms and values. We propose that integrating this approach into community conservation practices could enhance conservation outcomes.A vida selvagem desempenha papéis significativos em muitas sociedades, que vão além da sua importância ecológica e da lógica econômica associada à conservação. Este artigo examina o significado dos antílopes para o povo khwe no Parque Nacional Bwabwata, no nordeste da Namíbia. Destaca a importância que as comunidades indígenas atribuem à vida selvagem e defende uma compreensão mais abrangente das relações entre humanos e vida selvagem, para além dos valores ecológicos e econômicos e do foco habitual nas relações conflituosas. O artigo explora como os antílopes vão além de serem meros "animais selvagens" e passam a estar entrelaçados nas vidas e nos espaços dos khwes. Com base em dados secundários, experiências vividas e dados empíricos coletados através de métodos qualitativos, tais como entrevistas semiestruturadas e discussões em grupos focais, voltamos a atenção para os residentes khwes no Parque Nacional de Bwabwata, incluindo anciãos, líderes tradicionais e a comissão de gestão da Associação Kyaramacan. Nossa questão fundamental é: que lições podemos tirar das relações dos khwes com certas espécies de antílopes para promover a coexistência nas paisagens de conservação comunitárias da Namíbia? Conceitualmente, adotamos o conceito de solidariedade mecânica, que enfatiza uma consciência coletiva baseada em conhecimentos, normas e valores compartilhados. Propomos que a integração desta abordagem nas práticas comunitárias de conservação poderia melhorar os resultados da conservação.Keywords: antelopesBwabwataCBNRMhuman-wildlife relationshipsKhwemechanical solidarityNamibia
Archaeology · Biology · Connection (principal bundle · Environmental ethics · Ethnology · Fishery · Genealogy · Geography · National park · Sociology · Wildlife · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · Ecology · Engineering · Geographies of human-animal interactions · History · Philosophy
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |