Contextualizing Delegated Public-Private Partnerships in Conservation: Evidence from Zambia, Malawi, And Rwanda

The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed examination of the effectiveness of Delegated Public-Private Partnership (DPPP) models in the conservation of state-protected areas in the countries of Zambia, Malawi, and Rwanda. It triangulates twenty years of archival biodiversity and financial data with interviews and focus group discussions from Liuwa Plain National Park, Majete Wildlife Reserve, and Akagera National Park. This is accomplished by drawing on a convergent parallel mixed-methods methodology. There are still obstacles to be faced with regard to the local economic advantages, the engagement of stakeholders, and the coordination of political efforts, despite the fact that the model has been shown to be successful in increasing biodiversity and tourism revenue. The paper provides a critical analysis of the first conceptual framework that served as the basis for the implementation of DPPP. It reveals the framework's shortcomings in terms of addressing contextual feasibility, power asymmetries, and revenue variability. A redesigned Contextualized Adaptive Governance DPPP Model is offered as a response to this issue. This model places an emphasis on feasibility studies, revenue realism, participatory co-governance, and hybrid financing. The research makes a theoretical contribution to the literature on public-private partnerships (PPPs) and a practical contribution to conservation policy. It advocates for a more balanced and inclusive approach to the management of protected areas in Africa.