PHD-Department of Sociology

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Browsing PHD-Department of Sociology by Author "Pantoren, Elizabeth Pius"

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    The effectiveness of olgulului predator consolation scheme in addressing humanpredator conflict in Amboseli National Park, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2016-05) Pantoren, Elizabeth Pius
    The study provides in-depth understanding of human-predator conflict which involves livestock killing by wild animals (lions, leopard, hyena, cheetah and leopards) and the livestock farmer’s kill wild predators to secure their livelihoods. Globally and locally, human-predator conflict efforts to minimize conflicts included compensation for livestock losses, human death / injury and support to social development programs. Whilst acknowledging efforts made to address the human-predator conflicts, the problem remains unresolved over the years. Olgulului Predator Consolation Scheme was established in Olgulului group ranch in Amboseli ecosystem to compensate farmers for predated livestock; minimize rampant killing of wild predators; involve all stakeholders in enhancing proper livestock husbandry to reduce humanpredator conflict. While the scheme objectives were sound, its effectiveness has not been systematically evaluated. The evaluation study’s overall goal was to assess the effectiveness of the Olgulului predator consolation scheme in minimizing livestock-predator conflict in the study area, with specific objectives to; (a) Identify types and causes of human-predator conflict; (b) explore the positive and negative outcomes of the scheme; (d) establish challenges facing the scheme; (e) identify lessons learnt and best practices for enhancing the scheme effectiveness. The study employed qualitative methods of data collection and evaluation research design. The Secondary data was collected by desk reviews, journals, newspapers, reports and websites, while the primary data was collected through semi structured and Group Discussions interview schedules with open ended questions. Additionally, Multi stage sampling method was used to select 125 household heads {respondents} and was limited to persons aged 18 years and above. Informed consent was obtained from the respondents (participants) after explanation and clarification of the study objectives. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze descriptive qualitative data and presented in graphs, charts and tables. Conflict and social exchange theories guided the study. The research findings revealed that the Olgulului predator consolation scheme had an effect on minimization of human-predator conflict in the study area because livestock owners were compensated and predator killing had reduced. The respondents however, expressed concerns on some challenges facing the scheme such as delayed compensation, inadequate compensation fee and unreliable funding sources. In conclusion, predator consolation scheme has proven effective in minimizing human-predator conflicts in the study area. The study recommended for reinstatement of government compensation for property and human deaths to enhance its financial sustainability.