Farming on the edge: Farmer training to mitigate human-wildlife conflict at an agricultural frontier in south Sri Lanka

Abstract

Efforts to increase food production across Asia have relied on the intensification of established farms, as well as the expansion of farming activities into previously wild areas. Farms at agricultural frontiers face distinct challenges from those in historically farmed regions and require distinct support structures. We interviewed 324 rice farmers at seven sites in southern Sri Lanka to determine challenges to rice production in the region and the propensity for human wildlife conflict. Farmers (80%) reported wildlife including peafowl (Pavo cristatus) and other birds, as well as free-ranging (semi-)domestic animals such as buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), as their principal biotic constraints across sites, with relatively few farmers regarding weeds, insect pests, or diseases as a constraint (mentioned by 25% of farmers in total). Farmers near wilderness areas reported elephants (Elephas maximus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) as major constraints to rice production. 64% of farmers had received training from government and other support agencies during the five years prior to our survey. Training mainly addressed insect pests and diseases and focused on lethal product-based solutions (88% of training). Farmers did not receive support or advice to mitigate crop foraging and human-wildlife conflict; instead, farmers relied heavily on repellence (human activated) responses, such as early warning systems and active scaring. We suggest that Agriculture, Development and Wildlife authorities might increase intergovernmental cooperation and coordination of farmer training to better manage crop foraging in our study region. We present a review of possible non-lethal, farm-based methods that could be promoted during training programs for farmers facing challenges from wildlife in such a biologically diverse region. Currently, a wide range of low-cost avoidance, barrier and deterrence systems (that are not monitored or activated by humans) are available. These can be used to avoid harmful repellence practices.