| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this research was to provide a better understanding of the causes of
human-wildlife conflict and propose aiding development of a program for integrating
wildlife conservation with human development needs at Oldonyo Sabuk National Park.
The study was carried out under the following objectives; to establish if human
population increase adjacent to the park influence human wildlife conflict, to establish if
land use pattern adjacent to the park influences human wildlife conflict, to establish
which wildlife species mainly cause human conflict, to establish the current mitigation
measures in resolving human wildlife conflict by assessing policy for wildlife
conservation. This study adopted the descriptive survey design while revealing variables
contributing negatively or positively towards human wildlife conflict. In order to
achieve the objectives of the study, the target population comprised the households
living adjacent the park, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), local authorities,
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) as well as other stakeholders such as Delmonte and
Muka Mukuu Cooperative Society within the area. Simple random sampling
procedures were employed during the data collection exercise. Various techniques were
used for the analyses and presentation of data, these include both quantitative and
qualitative techniques. The study established that crop damages, human threat, property
destruction were some of the mostly reported damages. Majority of the respondents
indicated that the trend of Human Wildlife Conflict in general over the years was
increasing. The study concluded that Kenya Wildlife Service has helped maintain the
Park habitat or has increased programs to reduce degradation greatly. The study also
concluded that some of the challenges faced while undertaking conservation measures
were; communities lacked necessary skills and training in conservation practices, the
negative perception and attitude by the locals on wildlife policies and conservation
management. The study recommended that communities must participate in park
management planning and consulted in policy formulation. Relevant sectors such as the
agricultural, livestock, tourism and lands must work together to ensure the communities
realize their crop yields, and livestock production while coexisting with wildlife.
Ecotourism programs must be boosted to improve the locals’ livelihoods as it will create
a sense of Park ownership and sustainable wise use conservation practices. | en |
