Evaluatıng effectıveness of mıtıgatıon measures for conflıct resolutıon between humans and protected areas, case study; Maktau area in Taita Taveta region, Kenya / Korunan alanlar, ve insanlar arasındakı çatışmanın çözümü için alınan önlemlerin etkinliğinin değerlendirilmesı: Maktau alanı Taita Taveta bölgesi, Kenya

Abstract

Formulation of management strategies for sustainable conservation of protected areas requires knowledge of the conflicts between people and wildlife. This study aims to evaluate the status human wildlife conflict and the effectiveness of the management strategies for conflict resolution in Maktau area adjacent to Tsavo West National Park in Taita Taveta, Kenya. Questionnaires and informal interviews were administered to 120 households and to 4 Park staff respectively. Crop damage and livestock predation affected the community at different magnitudes with 49% of households experiencing 1-4 ha of crop damage and 28% experiencing 2-3 livestock loss annually. Conflict increased with close proximity to the National Park with 92% of respondents perceiving wildlife as a threat. Crop and livestock loss, physical threat by wildlife, wildlife retaliation killings and management challenges were the principal causes of conflicts. The local residents and park staff had different perceptions toward the conflict and its management. Conflict management strategies applied by both the locals and Kenya Wildlife Service were not effective. This study suggests that, to reduce conflicts and promote sustainable conservation, importance should be given to co-management and interdisciplinary participation of different development sectors including participation of local communities in policy formulation and implementation. May 2013, 91 pages Key Words: Human-wildlife conflict, protected areas, conservation, participation approaches