Assessing the effect of human encroachment on wildlife conservation in Lake Mburo National Park in Kiruhura District

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effect of human encroachment on wildlife conservation in Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda. Specifically, it examined the causes of human encroachment, the perceptions of its impact on wildlife populations, and its influence on wildlife habitat conditions over time. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Data were collected from a sample of 99 respondents, including local community members and Lake Mburo National Park management officials, through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 20, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that human encroachment in Lake Mburo National Park is driven by a complex interplay of socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors. The most cited causes include poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods, population pressure, demand for grazing land, limited farmland, and unclear park boundaries. These underlying pressures push surrounding communities to depend on the park for survival, resulting in various forms of intrusion. Furthermore, the study revealed that human encroachment has had significant perceived impacts on wildlife populations, including a decline in animal numbers, increased poaching, disruption of movement patterns, and changes in feeding and reproductive behaviors. There was also strong recognition of the increased human-wildlife conflicts and fragmentation of wildlife habitats. With regard to habitat conditions, the findings indicated that encroachment has led to habitat destruction, deforestation, overgrazing, disruption of wildlife corridors, and degradation of rangelands. The study concludes that human encroachment poses a significant threat to wildlife conservation in Lake Mburo National Park, driven by complex socio-economic and institutional factors. It recommends the implementation of community livelihood programs, improved park boundary demarcation, enhanced law enforcement, and increased public awareness campaigns to foster sustainable coexistence between human populations and wildlife. These interventions are crucial to mitigating the negative effects of encroachment and ensuring the long-term conservation of wildlife in the park.