Abstract
AbstractConflict between carnivores and livestock farmers affects human livelihoods and predator populations. Historically, successful mitigation of this conflict has been limited, sometimes because of a lack of participation among stakeholders to create and implement agreeable and effective solutions. Finding common ground between stakeholders can, however, be difficult, partly because of the range and intensity of values held. Using a novel combination of Q-methodology and the Delphi technique, I investigated whether a diverse range of stakeholders could agree on how to mitigate conflict between carnivores and livestock farmers in Namibia. A strong consensus was reached on using conservation education and husbandry training to reduce livestock depredation. Two narratives emerged: one group preferred non-lethal methods to manage the conflict, whereas a smaller group preferred lethal measures. This new decision-making exercise has potential to be applied to other conservation conflicts to assist with participatory decision making.
Highlights
Conflict between carnivores and livestock farmers threatens predator populations and farmers’ livelihoods (Loveridge et al, ; Rust & Marker, )
This study focuses on human–predator conflict in Namibia, where carnivore populations have been increasing in recent decades, causing more frequent livestock depredation (NACSO, )
The results show that stakeholders reached a strong agreement on some techniques to reduce human–carnivore conflict in Namibia
Summary
Conflict between carnivores and livestock farmers threatens predator populations and farmers’ livelihoods (Loveridge et al, ; Rust & Marker, ). This conflict is difficult to resolve, partly because of complex social disagreements on governance options and goals (Clark et al, ). Conservation of threatened species such as carnivores involved little participation from the local communities that were affected by wildlife management decisions (Brockington, ). This lack of participation can create tensions between stakeholders regarding how to mitigate the situation effectively (Thirgood & Redpath, ), Received July.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
