Impact of human-wildlife conflicts on the livelihood of local communities in Oba Hills National Park, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflict is a major challenge in biodiversity conservation. This study exposed the occurrence and impact of this conflict on the livelihood of rural dwellers in communities’ adjoining the Oba Hill National Park, Osun State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire with group discussion were employed in evaluating the impact of human-wildlife conflicts between September to November 2023. A total of five (5) villages (Akinleye, Olota, Olori, Keyeseni and Obamoro) were purposively sampled with 110 respondent. The results revealed that the loss of crops to wild animals, majorly primates, has severely impacted the villagers' means of livelihood and the Park officials has played a significant role in keeping the conflicts under control. The source of the villager’s livelihood, type of loss incurred, and the distance of the villages to the Oba Hills National Park all have significant impact on the rate at which villagers experience these conflicts (χ2 = 96.957, P= 0.000; χ2= 103.085, P=0.000; χ2= 3.918, P= 0.048; respectively). Conflicts between the local communities and wildlife is common in villages located 1 to 2 km from the boundaries of the National Park. The study recommended that, to reduce the intrusion of the villagers into the Park, conservation area management of Oba Hills National Park must maintain distinct boundary demarcation and manage practices that support the Park's ecological integrity and the welfare of the villagers. Development and implementation of compensation scheme for villagers who suffer losses can also be considered.