Human-wildlife conflict and its socio- economic impacts in North West Ethiopia

Human-wildlife conflict threatens wildlife conservation, especially in areas where humans, livestock, and wildlife share landscapes. These conflicts intensify during droughts. Our study examined the socio-economic impacts of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) around Alemsaga Forest, Northwest Ethiopia.. Household survey data were collected from 264 respondents using structured and semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and direct observation. We set up experimental plots to estimate wildlife-caused crop damages. The data analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and the chi-square test. Most respondents identified crop damage (56%) and livestock depredation (34%) as the primary causes of human-wildlife conflict. The causes of human-wildlife conflict varied significantly among villages (P < 0.05) across the study area. Anubis baboon (Papio anubis) 31%, vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) 27%, wild pig (Sus scrofa) 21.2%, porcupine (Hystrix cristata) 11.4%, and rodents 9.5% were responsible for the crop damages. Common jackal (Canis aureus) 48.1%, spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) 32.2%, and leopard (Panthera pardus) 19.7% were reported as the major livestock predators. The field experiments showed that on average, wildlife caused the loss of 596.6 kg/ha/year of maize, valued at $234, and 476 kg/ha/year of barley, valued at $153. Guarding (58.3%), chasing (30.3%), physical barriers (7.5%), and smoking (3.8%) were the most common traditional management techniques against crop-raiding and livestock depredation. The study suggests growing non-palatable cash crops near forests, establishing communal guarding systems, providing alternative employment, and educating the community on wildlife values to reduce conflict. Additionally, compensating farmers and designating forests as wildlife reserves are essential for harmonious coexistence and conservation.