Effectiveness of agricultural extension human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies on human-wildlife conflict among smallholder agro-pastoralists in Laikipia County, Kenya

Abstract

The agriculture sector in Kenya is critical in the achievement of food security, employment creation and provision of raw materials for agro-industries. The sector is affected by various challenges that impact negatively on its performance. Human-wildlife conflict is one of the pressing challenges farmers in Laikipia County are experiencing despite agricultural extension promoting various mitigation strategies. Available evidence showed that information on the effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Human Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategies (AEHWCMS) on human-wildlife conflict was inadequate or poorly documented. Consequently, it had been difficult for government agencies and stakeholders to develop effective human wildlife conflict mitigation strategies. This study sought to establish the effectiveness of AEHWCMS on human-wildlife conflict among smallholder agropastoralists. A cross-sectional survey research design was used where Simple Random Sampling was used to select 203 respondents and purposive sampling used to select further 10 respondents. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires while secondary data were collected using a document review guide. Primary data was analyzed using mean, frequencies and percentages. Effectiveness of AEHWCMS was measured through farmers‟ and extension agents‟ ratings of the effectiveness of the strategies on a 5point Likert scale after observation for at least 4 years of use. The study established that farmers adopted various AEHWCMS such as digging trenches, growing unpalatable crops and live fences and their adoption was affected by farmers‟ socio-demographic characteristics, especially age, gender, education and income level. Further, human wildlife conflicts in Laikipia County were on an increasing trend between 2012 and 2015 probably due to the low effectiveness and sustainability rates of AEHWCMS, with the effectiveness and sustainability rates for some being as low as ≤11.76% and 15% respectively. A compensation scheme is 23% effective while translocation of wildlife is 25% effective as a human wildlife conflict coping strategy. This study also found that collaboration between agricultural extension and Kenya Wildlife Service in promoting human wildlife conflict mitigation strategies is 37% adequate. It was concluded that AEHWCMS were not adequately effective in mitigating human-wildlife conflict among smallholder agropastoralists. It was recommended that effective and sustainable human wildlife conflict mitigation and coping strategies be developed and promoted by extension agents among farmers. The mitigation strategies should be gender-friendly, youth-friendly and affordable. Agriculture extension and wildlife conservation policies should be clear on partnership so as to promote effectiveness and sustainability of AEHWCMS.