Exploring the effects of human-wildlife conflict on community wellbeing in Chitsungo ward 10 Mbire district.
- Author
- Kanyepi, Memory
- Title
- Exploring the effects of human-wildlife conflict on community wellbeing in Chitsungo ward 10 Mbire district.
- Abstract
-
The study explored the effects of HWC on community well-being in Chitsungo ward 10 in Mbire
District. The major aim of the study was to examine the causes, nature, mitigation strategies as well as to discuss ways of harnessing co-existence between humans and wildlife to enhance community wellbeing and wildlife conservation in Chitsungo ward 10. The study utilized a case study research design. The research was qualitative in nature where it employed interviews and one focus group discussion for data collection. Primary data method was used as data was gathered from the survivors of Human-Wildlife Conflict as well as responsible authorities that directly work with the survivors of Human-Wildlife Conflict thus it was first-hand information. A sample size of 17 participants was drawn from the target population and information relevant to the study was given by them. Social constructionist theory was employed by the study. The study had shown that Human-Wildlife Conflict is caused by human settlement in the proximity of wildlife habitats, resource completion especially water, illegal fishing and. Also it was found out that Human-Wildlife Conflict in Chitsungo ward 10 is associated with crop raiding, livestock predation, human injury or death and wildlife injury. Use of chili technology pose to be the most effective wildlife deterrent which protect crop raiding while construction of bomas and penning livestock protect livestock from predators. Moreover, the study found out that use of game scouts also help local residents from retaliatory attacks by wildlife therefore it was seen that even though guarding fields, starting fire and cattle herding are mitigating strategies for protecting crops and livestock from wildlife these methods pose to leave people being vulnerable to wildlife attacks therefore bomas and chili technology were mentioned to be effective and efficiency. The study also found out that dam construction and initialization of fish farming projects as well as continuous awareness and education on animal behavior will help in harnessing co-existence between humans and wildlife thereby enhancing well-being of people and wildlife conservation. The study also puts across some recommendation. It recommended the Government to increase funding on CAMPFIRE program, Mbire Rural District Council to engage the communities in all activities that has anything to do with wildlife in the district, Social workers to advocate for the vulnerable children particularly a girl to be catered for by CAMFED so that they pursue with education, Non-Governmental Organizations to engaging community members to know what they want so that their projects will be sustainable and helpful to the community. Also the community should cooperate with stakeholders to uphold conservation of wildlife as well as adjusting into growing of crops that are not favored by wildlife to combat poverty being fueled by crop raiding.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Chitsungo Ward 10
- Mbire District
- Supervisor
- Mr. P. Gonorashe
- Item sets
- Department of Social Work
- Media
-
Kanyepi, Memory.pdf