Consumptive tourism, also known as trophy hunting, has a long-standing history in Africa,
dating back to the 1800s with the arrival of European traders. However, it was not until the
1960s and 1970s, after most African countries obtained independence from European
colonial rule, that safari hunting was formalised as part of the tourism industry.
Despite global participation in consumptive tourism being on the decline, governments in
Africa continue to encourage trophy hunting as it is considered an important economic
activity that contributes to the economic development of these countries. This article delves
into the success and sustainability of consumptive wildlife tourism in Africa, highlighting its
economic, social and environmental impact.
The rise of consumptive tourism in Africa
Consumptive tourism, which is usually linked to trophy hunting, is a practice that involves the
hunting of wild animals for sport or leisure. Trophy hunting has gained popularity over the
years, particularly in Southern African countries, and has become a significant component of
the tourism industry.
The tourism industry in Africa is one of the fastest-growing economic sectors, and it is
believed that trophy hunting contributes significantly to the economic growth of African
countries. The revenue generated from consumptive tourism has been used to fund
conservation efforts and support the development of local communities.
Perception of consumptive tourism
Anti-hunting groups argue that the international killing of wild animals is not only immoral and
abhorrent but also accelerates the extinction of animal species. However, many
governments in Africa continue to encourage safari hunting because of the economic
benefits it brings to their countries. Tourism is viewed as a rapid means for national and
regional development, creating employment opportunities, exchange earnings, balance of
payments advantages, and important infrastructure developments benefiting both host
populations and visitors.
Ecotourism, a non-consumptive practice, is more widely accepted as a sustainable form of
tourism than consumptive tourism. However, some forms of consumptive tourism, such as
sport or trophy hunting tourism, can also be beneficial to the economy, the environment, and
local communities. A research conducted in Namibia and Botswana showed that ecotourism
embraces some forms of consumptive tourism.
New research shows that South African citizens and international tourists want to see an end
to trophy hunting in favor of wildlife-friendly experiences. The research revealed strong
opposition to the blood sport and a desire to finance the protection of the nation’s iconic
wildlife through non-lethal alternatives such as responsible wildlife tourism.
The South African government's draft Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s
Biodiversity white paper seeks to create a prosperous nation living in harmony with nature
where biodiversity is conserved for present and future generations. While this is a great start,
it falls short on clarity, according to Nick Stewart, Global Head of Campaigns for Wildlife at
World Animal Protection.
The research commissioned by World Animal Protection showed that 84% of international
tourists agree that the South African government should prioritize wildlife-friendly tourism
over trophy hunting, and 74% of international tourists agreed that making trophy hunting a
key pillar of policy would damage South Africa's reputation. Additionally, 72% of international
tourists would be put off from visiting the country altogether if trophy hunting continued.
Seven in ten South African citizens agree that their country would be a more attractive tourist
destination if they banned trophy hunting, and 74% of South African citizens agree that
trophy hunting is unacceptable when wildlife-friendly tourism alternatives have not been fully
utilized.
However, proponents of consumptive tourism argue that the revenue generated from hunting
contributes to conservation efforts, particularly in developing countries where wildlife
resources are scarce, and where hunting can provide an alternative to poaching. They also
argue that hunting can contribute to the socio-economic development of local communities
by providing employment opportunities, infrastructure development and foreign exchange
earnings.
Success of consumptive tourism
While there has been a decline in global participation in consumptive tourism, African
countries continue to encourage trophy hunting as it remains an essential economic activity.
The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the economies of African countries, and
the revenue generated from trophy hunting has been used to fund conservation efforts and
support the development of local communities. For instance, in Namibia and Botswana,
consumptive tourism has been integrated with ecotourism as a means of achieving
sustainable development. This integration has resulted in the development of community
conservancies that generate revenue from consumptive tourism, which is used to support
community development projects.
Challenges facing consumptive tourism.
Despite its success, consumptive tourism in Africa faces several challenges, including the
perception that trophy hunting is immoral and unethical. The opposition to hunting by anti-
hunting groups has resulted in a decline in global participation in consumptive tourism, which
has had an adverse impact on the economies of African countries that rely on the revenue
generated from hunting. In addition, poaching, which is the illegal hunting of wild animals,
remains a significant challenge in Africa, and it threatens the existence of wildlife species.
The practice of consumptive tourism, specifically trophy hunting, has a long-standing history
in Africa and has become a significant component of the tourism industry.
Despite the controversy surrounding the practice, consumptive tourism has been integrated with
ecotourism as a means of achieving sustainable development. The revenue generated from
trophy hunting has been used to fund conservation efforts and support the development of
local communities. However, the practice faces several challenges, including opposition from
anti-hunting groups, poaching and the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is
important for African countries to strike a balance between economic development and
wildlife conservation to ensure the sustainability of consumptive tourism.