Influence of corporate social responsibility in minimizing Human-Wildlife conflict at Lake Nakuru National Park in Rift Valley Province, Kenya

Abstract

The concept of a company or corporation, and even business itself cannot be separated from society. Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility is where the firm is involved in Corporate Social Responsibility activities that are aligned to organizational goals. This guarantees the firm of its sustainability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility in minimizing human-wildlife conflict at Lake Nakuru National Park.

In order to accomplish this study, the study objectives were: To identify the Corporate Social Responsibility strategy objectives; to determine the Corporate Social Responsibility activities practiced; to determine the effectiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility and to find out the measures used by Lake Nakuru National Park in ensuring the effectiveness of the Corporate Social Responsibility strategy in minimizing human-wildlife strategy in minimizing human-wildlife conflict at Lake Nakuru National Park.

This study was supported by a comprehensive literature review section in chapter two. The study adopted a Correlational research design and the sample design was selected by purposive sampling technique and cluster sampling technique. The study used a sample size of 70 respondents; 60 from the Lake Nakuru National Park staff and 10 employees from the Municipal Council Environment Department office in Nakuru. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package Social Sciences and Microsoft excel. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, correlations and non parametric tests [chi - test]) were computed.

The findings were presented in form of charts and tables. The study successfully addressed the set research objectives. The findings revealed that the activities practiced included electric fencing; community sensitization; enhancement of employee welfare; and improved quality of life to the community. These were presented as influential in the minimization of Human Wildlife Conflicts at Lake Nakuru National Park. However the study found out that the challenges of adequacy of financial resources; and human resource capacity and flexibility hindered successful minimization of human wildlife conflict at Lake Nakuru National Park to a large extent.

The suggested measures included allocation of more funds to support the activities and enhancement of human and technological capacities. This study's findings may provide essential information to the Lake Nakuru National Park and Kenya Wildlife Services which could be useful in the alignment of the practiced Corporate Social Responsibility activities to the Corporate Social Responsibility objectives. The Government and concerned stakeholders could use this information for the enhancement of the services offered by Lake Nakuru National Park through Kenya Wildlife Services, as well as support sustainable eco-tourism.