This chapter deals with the problems of integrating conservation and development in NCA. It looks at three main aspects. Firstly we consider general points of conflict and complementarity between wildlife conservation and pastoralist development. Secondly the development of different types of tourism, and the interaction of each with conservation and pastoralism, are examined. Thirdly the possibilities for development of alternative forms of wildlife exploitation (other than tourist viewing) and their compatibility with conservation are discussed.

Development is hard to define or quantify. The history of development interventions in Maasai pastoralism makes it clear that pastoralist development must be in terms of making existing production systems more secure rather than of replacing these systems with imported alternatives. Development is also a vast and complex interdisciplinary topic. In keeping with the overall aim of this book we concentrate here on aspects which concern the ecology of the Maasai and their livestock, and of NCA and its wildlife. For example, the development of Maasai health, education, administration, communications and trade infrastructures are discussed only insofar as they relate to the biology of resource use and environmental impact.

Pastoralist development and wildlife conservation

(a) Conflict and complementarity

The founding principle of NCA contains an apparent paradox, inherent in many third world developmental issues, but nowhere more evident than in joint wildlife conservation/human land use areas.