Agroforestry trees for improved food security on farms impacted by wildlife crop raiding in Kenya

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflicts are a threat to livelihoods throughout Africa, including Kenya. A major source of human-wildlife conflict is crop raiding, which can seriously impact livelihoods and household food security through crop destruction and income loss. This novel research study explores the role of agroforestry trees as one strategy that may improve food security for farmers experiencing wildlife crop raiding. This study draws on household surveys and interviews conducted in 2014-2015 from the communities of Burat and Kinna in Isiolo County, Kenya. From the results, 56% of research participants reported that agroforestry can provide both income and food in cases of wildlife crop raiding. Common wildlife species reported by respondents were monkeys (163 respondents), elephants (161), porcupines (116), dik-diks (106), gazelles (72), and buffalos (67). Households that could harvest fruit and had a greater diversity of tree species were more likely to report that agroforestry helped when their crops were raided (66.4% of respondents). The results also suggest two different coping strategies utilized by farmers that improve food security when facing wildlife crop raiding: agroforestry and social networks. Based on this research, policies promoting agroforestry in areas prone to wildlife crop raiding may improve food security for some households.