Conflict between wildlife and communities living adjacent to volcanoes national park in Rwanda

Abstract

This study sought to assess the relationships between wildlife and communities living adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, in order to evaluate actions that have been taken to make it easier for people and wildlife coexist and those that should be envisaged to ensure their sustainable coexistence. A questionnaire survey was conducted within concerned communities. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyses were presented. Findings showed that there are conflicts between wildlife and humans in the limits of the VNP, where nearly 70% of respondents indicated that relationship needed to be bettered. On the one hand, animals damage crops and kill or injure people, the most problematic wildlife species being buffalo that scored 51% of the respondents; one the other hand, significant illegal activities are frequently reported. People are not duly compensated, while malefactors against the protected area are punished when captured. This persistent antagonism is of the nature to threaten the sustainability of the park. The study suggested the use of a multi-action approach to alleviate current problems. This should include strengthening existing actions, building communities self-reliance, educating people how to coexist with wildlife through a comprehensive program of mass sensitization on environmental issues, meaningful assistance of communities in the protection of their property, and translocation of some problem-animals in order to avoid escalation of conflict and limit threats to the most endangered species, like mountain gorilla.