Human-wildlife conflicts in Amboseli ecosystem: implications for sustainable livelihoods and wildlife conservation

Abstract

Land use changes in developing countries have had huge impacts on both human livelihoods and the surrounding wildlife. This study carried out in the Amboseli ecosystem of southern Kenya, aimed to investigate how the shift from a traditional pastoralist lifestyle to a more agricultural livelihood affected and contributed to human- wildlife conflicts. Structured interviews conducted with for pastoralists, agropastoralists, and agriculturalists in the region, as well as key informants. Findings revealed that the land use shift to agriculture has resulted in increased human- wildlife conflicts and a larger amount of property damage incurred by the residents. In order to protect both people and the wildlife that is also being threatened by this land use shift, policies such as wildlife compensation programs and the construction of electric fences around farms should be implemented along with traditional conflict resolution techniques.