HWC 2003 + 10 Years: Carnivore–Livestock Conflicts, Tourism, Donors, Compensation: What About the Human Dimensions?

Abstract

Over the last 10 years, we have made significant strides in understanding the technical aspects of human–wildlife conflict mitigation, but the human dimensions aspect still lags far behind. In Kenya, this skewed understanding has resulted in the application of technical solutions to human problems. The reason for this is the tendency of conservationists to take an “ecological” approach to addressing challenges facing African communities living with wildlife. The sociocultural and economic values around livestock do not feature in the thinking of those addressing livestock depredation, yet we now know that the technical and ecological aspects alone are not sufficient. A coherent, indigenous research agenda in the Kenya Wildlife Service will go a long way toward addressing this lacuna. Practitioners should dedicate the next decade to understanding that Africa’s people are not just part of the landscape but are also custodians of wildlife.