Participatory planning: Using SWOT-AHP analysis in buffer zone management planning

Land-use decisions and practices surrounding protected areas have proven to be contentious. Particularly in developing countries, buffer zones associated with protected areas must accommodate both conservation and development objectives, including agricultural interests. However, incorporating stakeholder group preferences in land-use decisions can be challenging and developing informed management approaches through a transparent process can be difficult. To assist the detailing of a responsive buffer zone management plan, this research used a process-oriented approach to elucidate the needs and priorities of stakeholders for the Nyungwe National Park (NNP) buffer zone in Rwanda. This article presents an application of the SWOT-AHP methodology (a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat analysis hybridized with the analytic hierarchy process) as a particular way of engaging communities and interested groups in buffer zone management planning. This methodology engaged farmers, local governments, national agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other interested groups in a collaborative priority-setting activity. This approach may be useful to agroforestry and agricultural land-use managers when identifying differences in needs and perceptions between groups is important in order to negotiate and implement trade-offs in planning decisions. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.