This insightful volume brings together leading voices to examine the evolving landscape of community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) in Southern and Eastern Africa. As the pressure on natural habitats increases, finding sustainable, community-led solutions has become more vital than ever. This book provides a comprehensive overview, charting the history of these practices, assessing their current success, and looking towards a future where local stewardship plays a central role in environmental conservation. Through detailed analysis and regional case studies, the contributors explore how local communities interact with their natural environments to secure livelihoods and promote biodiversity. Readers will benefit from the synthesis of academic theory and practical experience, making this an essential resource for students, policy-makers, and anyone interested in the intersection of rural development, anthropology, and ecology. The authors critically evaluate the challenges faced by these programmes, from governance issues to the impact of global environmental changes. By unpacking the complexities of land ownership, resource use, and social structures, this work provides a balanced perspective on how community agency can be strengthened. This book serves as a vital bridge between past successes and future environmental policy, helping you understand how local knowledge can shape more sustainable and resilient futures in the African context.