Abstract:
The human population in Kenya has doubled over the last 25 years and is expected to rise
twofold by 2050.Thus,pressure for human space has led to encroachment into wildlife habitats,
increasing human–wildlife interactions. Such interactions pose serious health risks to both
humans and wildlife, yet studies to understand these risks are limited in Kenya.To understand
the possible predisposing factors for zoonoses at the human–wildlife interface,a survey was
carried out in Nthongoni, an area bordering Tsavo and Chyulu Hills national parks in Kenya.
Questionnaires were administered to 11 key informants and 200 residents from 35 villages.
Our results indicate that the majority (75%) of the respondents suffered from crop raids and
livestock depredation by wildlife. On their part, residents killed wildlife for: subsistence
(41%), revenge (35%), bush-meat trade (22%), and other undisclosed reasons. Nineteen
per cent of the respondents were knowledgeable about disease transmission through
bush-meat. Qualitative data revealed helplessness, bitterness and revenge tendencies by
farmers due to wildlife losses, which contributed to their poverty. This study enhances our
understanding of human–wildlife interactions and the associated socioeconomic, health
and conservation implications. It demonstrates the predicamentscommunities living adjacent
to wildlife areas face and the need to involve them in sustainable management of the areas.
We recommend identification of appropriate alternative livelihoods, to mitigate illegal
bush-meat and agricultural practices that attract wildlife, leading to conflicts. In addition,
responsive health and conservation education,and participatory research aimed at advising
policy, are necessary to cushion the communities from wildlife damages.
