DOI: 10.11648/j.ijnrem.20261103.12 ISSN: 2575-3061

Exploration of Mitigation Strategy in the Resolution of Human-wildlife Conflict in Bakossi National Park, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Ettagbor Enukwa, Kome Ngome, Melle Maurice
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Bakossi national park is a biodiversity hotspot that is home to a rich array of wildlife species. However, the park has also been the site of ongoing human-wildlife conflicts (HWC), as the expansion of agricultural activities and human settlements has encroached into wildlife habitats and corridors. These conflicts have led to crop damage, livestock depredation, and even human injuries and fatalities, posing significant challenges for both local communities and conservation efforts. This study aimed to explore the mitigation strategies employed to address HWC within and around the national park, and to assess their effectiveness in resolving these conflicts. Research data collection was done by questionnaire administration in all the 36 villages within and around the national park. HWC mitigation strategies revealed a significant association on the local knowledge of conflict mitigation r=0.267 P=0.005, local community involvement in the mitigation program X 2 =3.463 df=3 P<0.05, and the role played by local community in mitigating the conflict X 2 =3.323 df=6 P<0.05 respectively. HWC is a significant global issue, with local communities often bearing the brunt of interactions between humans and wildlife. Also, there was a significant relation between conflict mitigation strategy and the role of stakeholders in resolving the conflict X 2 =14.880 df=9 P<0.05. Furthermore, human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategy associated significantly with the occupation of local community inhabitants in the conflict resolution X 2 =5.309 df=3 P<0.05. Additionally, conflict mitigation strategy significantly related with the role played by gender in the resolution program X 2 =10.871 df=3 P=0.012. Gender plays a significant role in shaping the experiences, perspectives, and roles of individuals within local communities when it comes to mitigating HWC. While some of these strategies have shown promising results in reducing HWC incidents, their overall effectiveness was found to be hindered by various contextual factors, such as resource constraints, limited community engagement, and weak institutional coordination. The research concludes with recommendations for a more holistic, integrated approach to HWC management, emphasizing the importance of community participation, cross-sectorial collaboration, and adaptive management strategies. By leveraging this evidence-based understanding of effective mitigation approaches, policymakers and practitioners can work towards more equitable and ecologically viable solutions to HWC in Cameroon and beyond.

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