Reconciling Development and Conservation through Livelihoods: Beekeeping in Kasese, Uganda

Abstract

Conservation and development goals are often in conflict. Traditionally, conservation emphasises protecting natural resources with minimal human interference, while development focuses on economic development or modernisation, putting natural resources at risk. However, conservation and development cannot be mutually exclusive and academics recognise their interdependence. Yet, most attempts to reconcile the two concepts have had limited success. Conservation and development integration needs to include a postdevelopment examination of local and global development dynamics and the factors that encourage communities to act towards conservation objectives. I use my case study, beekeeping in Kasese, Uganda, as an example of a livelihood that can compel individuals towards conservation. Beekeeping might potentially support local development as it can encourage endogenous growth and a sense of environmentality. In the Kasese District, beekeeping has been practiced traditionally, and non-governmental organisations have recently endorsed beekeeping as a livelihood that provides adequate financial income and strengthens social connections. In terms of conservation, beekeeping is a sustainable livelihood because it requires certain environmental elements, such as trees and plants, for bee forage. This thesis suggests that a livelihood, such as beekeeping, can link conservation and development objectives, thus promoting sustainable development. I also argue that sustainable development can be improved through a more thorough examination of local perceptions and aspirations. To do so, I employ post-development as a theoretical background as it provides a hybridised framework that emphasises local perspectives, while also considering global influences.