Human-Wildlife Conflict and Its Effect on the Conservation of Wildlife: The Case of Nguangke, Luel, and Riek villages in Jekow District, Nuer zone Gambella Regional State Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) occurs when interactions between humans and wildlife result in negative outcomes for both parties, such as the loss of property, livelihood, or life. These conflicts can lead to retaliatory killings, which may eventually drive wildlife species to extinction. The study aimed to assess the human-wildlife conflict and its effects on wildlife conservation of nguangke, luel and riek villages in Jekow District, Gambella, and Southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions, interviews, and direct observation. Quantitative data collected by questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS (Version 26), with descriptive statistics presented in tables. Qualitative data from interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations were analyzed narratively. The target population consisted of 828 households from rural villages and district experts, with a sample size of 384. The majority of respondents reported human wildlife conflict (HWC) due to crop damage, livestock predation, human injuries, and resource competition between humans and wildlife. Among the respondents, 79.2% were male and 20.8% were female, with 55.5% aged between 40-49. Most respondents (79.2%) were farmers. birds are highest for (46.8%), porcupines (44.4%), warthogs (44.1%), and baboons (42.4%), showing widespread recognition of crop damage. Similarly, strong agreement on predation by lions, leopards, and hyenas (all around 46.8%) shows high concern for livestock losses. The majority of respondents (78.1%) had a positive attitude toward wildlife conservation, most respondents (83.5%) understood how wildlife enters their land, and 83.3% recognized the causes of wildlife crop damage. Additionally, 83.5% expressed satisfaction with the community's understanding of wildlife importance. Overall, the findings show that the local community holds a strong positive attitude and good awareness toward wildlife and its conservation. Respondent’s reported92.6% using dogs to minimize damage from baboons and warthogs. Other methods included fencing, chasing scarecrows, hunting, and using cattle dung.