Illegal trade in wildlife products as a threat to Botswana’s national security

Abstract

Poaching and illegal trade in wildlife products have become a global concern leading to the decline in wildlife in developing countries such as Botswana. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of illegal trade in wildlife; how illegal trade in wildlife products threatens the country’s national security and how Botswana can combat illegal trade in wildlife products. Illegal trade in wildlife products is done on a national and international scale in Botswana. Data were analyzed to give a comprehensive descriptive narrative guided by themes that emerged from data collected through reviewing of literature. The study’s central findings were that poor socio-economic conditions faced by some rural communities compel people to participate in illegal trade in wildlife products and poaching. Furthermore, the study established that illegal trade in wildlife products and poaching is used as a source of finance by terrorists and other criminals thereby threatening the security of the state. The study concluded that collaborating with the community stakeholders and improving the lives of rural people may help combat illegal trade in wildlife.