This study provides a socio‑economic assessment of the Doro !Nawas Conservancy, focusing on livelihoods, resource use, governance, and community participation. Most households rely on small‑stock farming primarily goats for income and food security, with pensions as a secondary source. Household expenditure is dominated by food, and firewood remains the main energy source. Although most residents access water from boreholes, formal rules for water or natural resource use are largely absent. Human–wildlife conflict, especially involving elephants and jackals, poses challenges, though overall crop production remains minimally affected. Conservancy membership is high, yet participation in decision‑making processes is low, and awareness of the constitution and management structures is limited. While several conservancy benefits were identified, many residents perceive uneven distribution, and the payout approach requires improvement. Despite challenges, community members express willingness to coexist with wildlife if compensation for losses is fair.