Botho: A cultural framework for resilient human-wildlife coexistence in Botswana

Botho is a foundational philosophy in Sub-Saharan Africa that emphasizes interdependence, respect, and shared humanity. While it has traditionally shaped human-wildlife relationships, its present contribution to coexistence with large carnivores remains underexplored. This paper examines how Botho is a part of local decision-making in cattle farming communities of the Kalahari region of Botswana and how it shapes their choices in tolerating and coexisting with lions. Drawing on ethnographic field research, the paper describes how conservationists and cattle farmers practice Botho, and how and why it can be positive for wildlife and coexistence. The expression of Botho between social actors eases tensions, including human-human conflict over wildlife. When people treat each other with Botho, they develop empathy for one another, which sometimes extends to the wildlife. This is a potent if indirect way Botho can be a path to coexistence.