Assessing the status of crop raiding animals in Kiruli sub-county around Murchison Falls National Park

Abstract

Assessing the status of crop raiding animals was carried out in communities neighboring the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park. The objectives of the study were (i)To document the common crop raiding animals and crops around Murchison falls, (ii)To find out the impacts of crop raiding on food security and income status of people around the boundaries of Murchison falls national park, (iii)To document methods used by communities to overcome crop raiding animals. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to collect data from 3 villages (Kimina, Epedi and Nyakarongo) in Kiruli parish. All respondents (100%) suffered from crop raiding episodes and elephants, baboons, wild pigs and monkeys were the most common crop raiding animals. Maize, cassava and sweet potatoes were the most attacked. One hundred percent (100%) of respondents reported that they have never received any compensation from government or any other supporting organization. Respondents also indicated that crop raiding has increased famine and poor harvest. The common methods that were used by farmers to control crop raiding animals from their gardens included guarding, chasing, drumming, lighting fire and use of scare. Guarding was the most method that was reported by respondents to use against crop raiding animals with 87%. Respondents also indicated that crop raiding increased famine, poor harvest, increased labor, loss of properties and poor education among children in the community and famine was the most reported effect with 100%. Compensation for damaged crops by crop raiding animals was one of the recommendations that respondent suggested to government and other conservation organizations as this will reduce the effect of famine and improve the economic status in their families.