Using a choice experiment framework to value conservation-contingent development programs: An application to Botswana

- We study wildlife-based integrated conservation and development programs.
- We develop a flexible, rigorous framework for evaluating village development projects.
- We use choice experiment data to measure the value of private and quasi-public rural development programs.
- We analyze how development programs can be tied to in-kind labor contributions.
- We find development benefits can incentivize community-based wildlife conservation.

Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programs in Botswana have had limited conservation effect because the provision of development benefits is not contingent on wildlife conservation. Building on existing discussions about which development initiatives these programs should implement, we use choice experiment data to empirically determine what value CBNRM community members place on both private and quasi-public development interventions. We show that these interventions are sufficient to incentivize households to engage in anti-poaching enforcement, revegetation of wildlife habitat and wildlife monitoring. Our methodology may be adapted to investigate a range of potential development interventions for which in-kind labor contributions are required.