Exploring stakeholder perceptions of wildlife tourism in the Mudumu North Complex, Zambezi region, Namibia: Implications for sustainable community-based conservation

Wildlife tourism (WT) in communal conservancies presents a critical opportunity for sustainable rural development in Namibia, yet its success hinges on equitable benefit-sharing and addressing local challenges. This study explores stakeholder perceptions of WT in three conservancies within the Mudumu North Complex (MNC) in Namibia's Zambezi region. Using a mixed-methods approach, we integrated household surveys (n=356 stratified by conservancy) with focus group discussions (n=6) and key informant interviews (n=22). Data were analysed through Spearman’s correlation (socio-demographic influences) and thematic analysis (qualitative insights), framed by the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) and Social-Ecological Systems (SES) theory. Results reveal high overall awareness and generally positive perceptions of WT, especially in Mashi, where diversified tourism activities, including both ecotourism and trophy hunting, have provided substantial socio-economic benefits. However, Kwandu and Kyaramacan, reliant on trophy hunting and marginalised by restrictive policies, exhibited lower awareness and fewer economic opportunities. HWC was a critical concern, with inadequate compensation undermining conservation legitimacy. Socio-demographic factors significantly influenced attitudes, with income and education correlating strongly with WT support. The study highlights systemic inequities, including elite capture and spatial disparities in benefit distribution and advocates for spatially explicit policies, including hybrid benefit-sharing (30% direct household payments), mobile-verified HWC compensation, and decentralised tourism infrastructure. These measures address core-periphery inequities while aligning WT with the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework’s equity goals. • WT drives socio-economic benefits in Namibian conservancies but faces sustainability challenges like HWC. • HWC and unequal benefit distribution affect WT's long-term sustainability • Positive WT perceptions stem from diverse tourism activities and joint ventures. • Mashi Conservancy has stronger WT support due to its diversified tourism activities. • Socio-demographic factors like Income, education, and employment influence stakeholder perceptions of WT. • Mitigating HWC, addressing local needs, and promoting equitable benefit-sharing can improve WT support and long-term success.