ACTORS IN MANAGING HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT: THE CASE OF ARABUKOSOKOKE FOREST, KENYA
Samuel Kiti Lewa - PhD Candidate, Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Dr. Patrick Maluki - Lecturer, Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Prof. Vibeke Vindevov - Professor of Law, Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Dr. Ibrahim Farah - Head, Somali Academy, Somalia
ABSTRACT
The study dealt with alternative dispute resolution methods in managing Human Wildlife Conflicts, the case of Arabuko Sokoke Forest Kenya. The area has had frequent human-wildlife conflicts which have led to destruction of property, infrastructure, crops, livestock and death from both humans and wildlife. The overall objective of the study was to investigate the Actors in the Management of Human-Wildlife Conflict. The study adopts Natural Law and environmental democracy theory as promulgated by J.M.Finnis. Data was collected based on 400 households, questionnaires, Key informants, interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) and researcher field observations. The study concluded a number of alternative resolution methods on environmental conflicts (ADR) are, negotiation, mediation, conciliation and community based Natural Resource management mechanisms among others. On the theme and main objective of the study it concluded that community based natural resources management mechanisms (CBNRM) offers the most suitable method for managing the human wildlife conflict menace but needs to be synchronized with other methods and finally the study concluded that a collaborative management will boost local communities livelihood and reduce the menace to spur sustainable development. The study recommends intensive local residents ‘participation in human-wildlife conflict management. It further recommends use of non-destructive methods in managing the forest resource and equitable benefit sharing and compensation schemes to the local populations in a bid to enlist their support for conservation efforts.
