Assessment of impacts of human wild life conflicts on community livelihoods around Mpanga Forest.

Abstract

This study assessed the impacts of human-wildlife conflicts on community livelihoods around Mpanga Forest in Mpigi District. The study sought to address three specific objectives: to determine the primary causes and types of human-wildlife conflicts occurring around the forest, to assess the effects of these conflicts on community livelihoods, and to identify the coping strategies communities have developed to mitigate the conflicts. A cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected from 50 respondents through structured questionnaires administered to community residents and analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS. The findings revealed that the primary cause of conflict is wildlife, particularly monkeys venturing out of the forest in search of food, a situation worsened by seasonal changes and human activities such as forest encroachment. Crop destruction was identified as the most prevalent and devastating type of conflict, followed by livestock predation. These conflicts have had severe consequences on community livelihoods, leading to substantial reductions in food production, significant financial losses, heightened food insecurity, and disruptions to education and work as family members divert time to guarding farms. In response, communities have adopted various coping strategies, predominantly labor-intensive methods such as physically guarding gardens, using traps and scarecrows, and constructing fences. However, these measures were largely perceived as only partially effective, unsustainable, and often financially burdensome for the households. In conclusion, while communities are actively engaged in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, the strategies employed are insufficient to prevent significant livelihood losses. The study recommends that the NFA strengthens forest management to reduce animal intrusion, local authorities support communities with early warning systems, and more sustainable crop protection measures be promoted. Furthermore, the establishment of compensation schemes and the introduction of alternative income-generating activities are crucial to building community resilience.