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This study evaluated the economic impact of hunting on the regional economy of South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Data on biltong hunting was derived from a national survey conducted in 2009 and data on trophy hunting from the Professional Hunting Association of South Africa (PHASA). Using the input-output (social accounting matrix) and multiplier analyses, we found that the direct economic impact of hunting in the regional economy of the Limpopo Province, as a result of increased expenditure, exceeded R669 million (US$83.6 million). This direct impact resulted in a total economic impact in the order of R1.2 billion (US$150 million) and consequently in a multiplier effect of 1.76. With regard to employment, we estimated that some 8 382 jobs, in addition to those of the employees directly involved, may be dependent upon hunting in the province, which supports the notion that this is a viable and important sector of the tourism industry.

The core of South Africa tourism industry is based on wildlife tourism. Private game reserves and game farms which forms part of wildlife tourism constitute most of the wildlife products in South Africa. On these private reserves and game farms, hunting is one of the major income generators for product owners. The aim of this study is to analyse the economic impact of hunting on the regional economies of three of South Africa's most important hunting provinces. The study used economic multipliers, input-output analysis, and related modelling processes through input-output (supply-use) tables and social accounting matrices (SAM). The results differed significantly for the three provinces, with Limpopo receiving the biggest impact (R2.6 billion) and the Free State having the highest multiplier (2.08). The geographical location of the game farms, the number of farms per province and the species available all influenced the magnitude of the economic impact of hunters over and above the traditional determinants of economic impact analysis. The implication of the research is that it will help product owners in the development of game farms or hunting products, contribute to policy formulation, especially for government decisions on what products to offer where, and how to create more jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]