Fringe community attitudes towards wildlife. The case of monkeys at Boabeng- Fiema monkey sanctuary, Ghana

Abstract

Understanding community attitude towards wildlife sanctuaries plays a pivotal role in conservation. This study assessed the factors that influence community attitude towards the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS) in Ghana. The study was carried out during the months of May and July, 2018 in four fringe communities around BFMS. Data was collected by random household interview (N = 102) through semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interview. The study revealed that attitude was largely influenced by benefits, concerns and culture. Concerns outweighed the benefits as such the local communities are somewhat positive towards the conservation of the monkeys and what it offers to the communities. Cultural valuation of the monkeys also influenced people’s interactions with wildlife. Fringe communities’ concerns and benefits are key to the management of protected areas and support for conservation at large. As such, measures should be put in place to ensure benefits outweigh the concerns of fringed communities. Keywords: Attitude, benefit, concern, fringe community, Ghana