Human wildlife conflicts in Uganda: A Case of Queen Elizabeth National Park
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/insights.v2i10.50Keywords:
Human-wildlife conflict, Biodiversity conservation, Illegal wildlife hunting, Illegal charcoal burning, Death of wildlife.Abstract
Introduction
The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of HWC in the Ishasha region, Southwestern Uganda. This study was guided by specific objectives, namely, identifying the root causes of HWC, assessing the effects of HWC, and determining the measures to mitigate HWC in the Ishasha region.
Methodology
The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design utilizing quantitative data collection and analysis methods. Using simple random and purposive sampling techniques, 109 respondents were selected to participate in the study. This study used questionnaires and interviews with key informants to collect data.
Results
The main causes of human-wildlife conflict were found to be the need to meet hunters' personal needs (36.7%), illegally harvested charcoal for commercial production (20.2%), perceived injustice (18.3%), commercial hunting and bushmeat trade (15.6%). And droughts, bushfires, and climate change, 9.2% each. Human-wildlife conflict accounts for 32% of reported human and wildlife deaths and injuries, 28% of agricultural devastation, 24% of poverty, and 16% of human deaths. The study findings revealed that the measures used to mitigate human-animal conflict in the Ishasha region were the use of indigenous knowledge (48.6% of respondents), non-electric fences (33%) and police patrols (18.3% of respondents). The majority of respondents cited human and wildlife death and injury as impacts of human-wildlife conflict in the Ishasha region. Therefore, the local communities use non-electric fences to reduce the impact of animals intruding on people's crops in the area.
Conclusion
Indigenous knowledge is the most effective measure to mitigate HWC in the Ishasha region, highlighting the importance of using traditional practices and community-based solutions.
Recommendation
It is important for the various institutions to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and identify opportunities for policy reform to address the root causes of the conflict and promote sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.
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