Influence of human wildlife conflict on socioeconomic welfare of local communities in Sabaki sublocation, Kilifi county, Kenya

Abstract

Conflicts between human and wildlife have occurred in the world since the dawn of humanity. These conflicts can cause damage or costs to both. Incidences of crop damage, death of domestic animals as well as human death can be realized as well as poor performance in schools due to absenteeism because of fear of being attacked by wild animals. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of Human Wildlife Conflict on Socio-economic welfare of local communities in Sabaki Sub-location. The objectives of the study were to Determine the influence of land use to human wildlife conflict on socio-economic welfare of local communities in Sabaki sub-location, to determine the influence of poverty to human wildlife conflict on socio-economic welfare of local communities in Sabaki sub-location and to determine the influence of Wildlife Conservation Practice to human wildlife conflict on Socio-economic welfare of local communities in Sabaki Sub-location. Relevant literature was discussed in this research project with a view of establishing the gap between this study and other previous related studies. From the Theoretical perspective, the study used Karl Marx Conflict theory and Foucault’s theory of the family as a guide to the buildup of the Research. The Literature revealed three important variables. These were how land use influenced Human Wildlife Conflict on Socio-economic welfare of local communities, how poverty influenced Human Wildlife Conflict on Socioeconomic welfare of local communities and how wildlife conservation practice influenced Human Wildlife Conflict on Socio-economic welfare of local communities. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study and quantitative methods were used to collect data. Self administered questionnaires, focused group interviews and observation were used to collect primary data while secondary data was obtained from documents and publications. Hypotheses were tested and calculated using Chi-square and all the three Alternative hypothesis were accepted. All the research questions were answered and the three objectives achieved. The NonGovernmental Organizations concerned with Environmental conservation projects were recommended to team up with all the relevant stakeholders and focus on Community based projects in the studied area so as to promote sustainable wildlife conservation.