Human-Wildlife Conflict in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Regional and Species-Specific Trends

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a major conservation and socio-economic challenge in Ethiopia, driven by habitat fragmentation, agricultural expansion, and population growth. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the prevalence, severity, and species-specific patterns of HWC across Ethiopia’s diverse ecological regions. Data from 26 studies published between 2008 and 2024 meeting quality criteria were analyzed, covering five Ethiopian regions: Amhara, SNNPR, Oromia, Tigray, and Gambella using meta-analysis and meta-regression. The pooled prevalence of HWC was estimated at 27.8% (95% CI: 24.3%, 31.0%), with significant regional and species-specific variations. High heterogeneity (I ² = 94.18%) indicated substantial variability across studies, reflecting differences in ecological conditions and human activities. A mixed-effects meta-regression revealed significant regional variation in HWC prevalence (p = 0.038), with Gambella showing lower rates than other regions (estimate = -0.367, p = 0.009). Despite explaining 26.98% of variability (I ² = 91.60%), substantial residual heterogeneity suggests that unmeasured ecological and socioeconomic factors influence HWC. Frequent HWC in Ethiopia involve key species such as geladas, leopards, crusted porcupines, grivet monkeys, anubis baboons, common jackals and lions in Amhara; anubis baboon grivet monkeys, vervet monkeys, mountain nyala and spotted hyenas in SNNPR; anubis baboons, crested porcupines, warthogs, grey duiker, bohor reedbuck and common mole rat in Oromia; spotted hyenas, leopards, African elephants and black-backed jackal in Tigray; and anubis baboons, and warthogs in Gambella. The findings highlight the dual threat of HWC to biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods, emphasizing the need for region-specific mitigation strategies. To mitigate HWC, we recommend community-based conservation, non-lethal control, and sustainable land-use planning. Domesticating wild resources can enhance food security and bioeconomy development while reducing conflict. Persistent heterogeneity underscores the need for standardized, longitudinal future studies. These approaches will help policymakers balance conservation with socio-economic development in Ethiopia.