Impact of Inter-Community Conflicts on Wildlife Conservation in Samburu National Reserve and its Environs, Kenya

Authors

  • H. Ipara University of Eldoret
  • F. Lemoilea University of Eldoret
  • C. Waweru University of Eldoret

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2200/aerj.v2i2.161

Keywords:

Wildlife, Samburu National Reserve, Conflict, Community, Cattle Rustling

Abstract

That inter-community conflicts have profound impacts on wildlife conservation cannot be underrated. A study to assess impacts of inter-community conflicts (ICCs) on wildlife conservation was conducted in Samburu National Reserve (SNR) and its environs between December 2014 and May 2015. The study targeted local communities living around the Reserve, SNR personnel and staff from conservation organizations like Save The Elephant (STE) and Ewaso Lions (EL). Data was collected from randomly selected local community respondents using structured questionnaires, discussion and informal consultations, while interviews were held with staff purposively selected from SNR and targeted conservation organizations. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and chi-square goodness of fit test. Results were presented using graphs and tables. Results indicated that there was a significant difference between types of inter-community conflicts experienced due to competition over natural resources (χ2=62.923, df=4, p<0.0001). Both the local community and SNR staff noted that although the magnitude of the conflicts experienced was severe, views on causes of the conflict, among them, livestock raiding and competition over resources significantly differed (χ2=27.208, df=4, p<0.0001). Results also showed that opinion on impacts of ICCs on wildlife conservation had a significant difference (χ2=11.426, df=3, p=0.010). Likewise, local community views on measures implemented by SNR management to mitigate the conflicts differed from those of the local community (χ2=5.456, df=3, p=0.125). Views on the effectiveness of measures implemented by both SNR management and the local community also significantly differed ((χ2=3.640, df=2, P=0.162). Opinions of the community on future measures to be taken by the management to mitigate ICCs showed no significant difference (χ2=9.542, df=3, p=0.023). Dialogue, open communication and awareness creation were the most proposed measures to mitigate ICCs in the study area compared to creating a buffer zone or fencing which are viewed as novel measures to conflicts in and around protected areas like SNR. Stakeholder involvement in reconciling the warring communities should be supported with a view to promoting peace and conflict resolution as well as co-existence with wildlife. The local community should be advised to engage in other activities and projects to diversify their livelihoods while supporting SNR management to conserve wildlife.

References

Berger, R. (2003). Conflict over natural resources among pastoralists in Northern Kenya: A look at recent initiatives in conflict resolution. Journal of International Development 15, 245-57.

De Merodel, E., Smith, K. H., Homewood, K., Pettifor, R., Rowcliffe, M., & Cowlishaw, G. (2007). The impact of armed conflict on protected area efficacy in Central Africa. Biology letters, 3(3), 299-301.

Homer-Dixon, T., & Blitt, J. (Eds.) (1998). Ecoviolence: Link among environment, population and security. Lanham, MD, USA: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers.

Homer-Dixon, T. (1999). Thresholds of turmoil: Environmental scarcities and violent conflict. In D. H. Deudney, & R. A. Mathew, (Eds.), Contested grounds: security and conflict in the new environmental politics. Albany: State University of New York Press.

Jacobs, M. J., & Schloeder, C. A. (2001). Impacts of conflict on biodiversity and protected areas in Ethiopia. Washington, D.C.: Biodiversity Support Program.

Jon, U., David, C. G., & Kate, W. (2008). Biodiversity conservation and crisis: Key issues for consideration. Biodiversity Assessment and Technical Support Program.

Lona, N. D. (2013). Local communities’ socio-economic activities and their impact on natural resources in Bandingilo National Park and its surroundings, South Sudan (unpublished MSc Thesis). University of Eldoret, Kenya.

Marjan, N., Nicholas, B., & Ojok, L. (2001). Impact of conflicts on Boma National Park. USAID Report.

Musaasizi, J., Andama, E., Ruta, D., & Byamukama, B., (2005). Management of conservation based conflicts in south-western Uganda. ECAPAPA Report.

Mburu, N. (2000). The proliferation of guns and rustling in Karamoja and Turkana Districts: The case of appropriate disarmament strategies. Unpublished Report. Journal of Peace, Conflict and Development, 2(2), 10.

Micheal, O. O. (2000). Impact of conflict on pastoral communities’ resilience in the Horn of Africa. Unpublished Report.

Plumptre, A., Masozera, M., & Vedder, A. (2001). The impact of civil war on the conservation on protected areas in Rwanda. Washington D.C.: Biodiversity Support Program.

Shambaugh, J., Oglethorpe, J., & Ham, R. (with contributions from Tognetti, S.). (2001). The Trampled Grass: Mitigating the impacts of armed conflict on the environment. Washington, DC: Biodiversity Support Program.

UNEP. (2007). Synthesis report on Sudan post-conflict environmental assessment. Nairobi, Kenya.

Young, A., & Korir, S. (2011). Land, livelihoods and identities: Inter-community conflicts in East Africa. Irish, European Union and AID Report. UK: Minority Rights International.

Downloads

Published

2017-10-30

How to Cite

Ipara, H., Lemoilea, F. ., & Waweru, C. (2017). Impact of Inter-Community Conflicts on Wildlife Conservation in Samburu National Reserve and its Environs, Kenya. Africa Environmental Review Journal, 2(2), Pg 22–32. https://doi.org/10.2200/aerj.v2i2.161