Wildlife or crop production: the dilemma of conservation and human livelihoods in Serengeti, Tanzania

Abstract

Crop-raiding by wildlife is a common concern in areas where agriculture plays an important role for sustaining rural livelihoods. Different techniques have been used to prevent crop loss by wildlife. This study examined wildlife crop damage as reported and experienced by people in villages surrounding Serengeti National Park (SNP). The results showed that generally crop production was not the only important economic activity people relied on. We conclude that hunting could be an alternative to crop production. Furthermore, education, employment status, wealth, immigration status and location influenced crop production significantly. Perceptions towards problematic wildlife varied between districts, but small- to medium-sized wildlife were perceived most problematic to crop production. Furthermore, respondents identified climate change factors and inadequate agriculture extension services to affect crop production. The study proposes further development of income-generating activities such as beekeeping and ecotourism as alternatives to crop production. These natural resources-based activities address food insecurity and increase livelihood options. Compensation for extreme cases of crop destruction and improved capacity and delivery of extension services could make agriculture around Serengeti more sustainable.

Keywords:

• agriculture
• crop-raiding
• local people
• natural resources
• poverty
• sustainable use
• wildlife
• Tanzania

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism of Tanzania and the Royal Norwegian Embassy (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) through the Management of Natural Resources Programme (TAN 0092), and is a component of the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute and Norwegian University of Science and Technology – Biodiversity and Human–Wildlife Interface Project. We are thankful to the participation of villages and support from the District Councils, Tanzania National Parks and Tanzania. The first and second time anonymous reviewers provided useful comments to this paper. We especially thank Dr Robert Fyumagwa (TAWIRI) and Craig Jackson (NTNU) for insightful and constructive comments on this paper.