Tracking white hunters' relationship with nature in Eastern and Southern Africa since colonial times

Abstract

This study discusses the way in which hunters perceive and relate to nature and wildlife. Using the qualitative data analysis technique, the study examines how culture, attitudes, perceived nature connectedness and actions toward nature reflect certain characteristics, which makes it possible to establish the type of relationships that hunters have with nature. Known for their popular hunting grounds and historical character, the study draws on examples from Southern and Eastern Africa. Specific value dimensions and wildlife orientations were applied to establish the different types of hunter-nature relationships. Historically, colonial hunting practices (which differed considerably from that of indigenous communities who intermingled freely with wildlife, and conserved their resources according to their cultures) are synonymous with large-scale slaughtering, disregard for natural environments and the extinction of wildlife species. Viewing nature and humans as separate entities meant that hunters had a need to dominate and control nature. Since then, post-independence hunters' relationships with nature have gradually transformed to support a more integrated understanding of connecting and communicating with nature.