The effectiveness of olgulului predator consolation scheme in addressing humanpredator conflict in Amboseli National Park, Kenya
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Date
2016-05
Authors
Pantoren, Elizabeth Pius
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
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.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology of Kenyatta University. May, 2016