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Colorado State University

Publication Date

Spring 2013

Program Name

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology

Abstract

This study seeks to determine the spatial differences in perceptions on crop raiding by wildlife and farmers’ relationships with Tanzania National Parks from selected subvillages located in the Jangwani Corridor in Northern Tanzania, outside of Lake Manyara National Park. This project was conducted in Spring of 2013 in four subvillages of Mto wa Mbu from April 6- April 22, 2013. Subvillages included Magomeni, Jangwani, Migungani and Mgombani subvillages. 16 farmers were selected randomly from each subvillage and interviewed over the course of four days with a total of 64 farmers interviewed total. One TANAPA park officer was also interviewed. GPS points were also taken at the homes and (if possible) the farm of each farmer. When not possible to take a GPS point at a farm, detailed directions were obtained instead and the farm was located via Google Earth. Selected questions were analyzed and compared using Google Earth. Perceived crop damage from 2012 was found to be more concentrated in subvillages further away from the park boundary, contrary to initial predictions. Farmers believed their problems with animals to be increasing since 2008, and no spatial relationship was found between proximity to the TANAPA office and satisfaction with TANAPA. Finally, those interviewed in the subvillage closest to the TANAPA office were found to most utilize aggressive methods of defense against crop raiding animals. With many wildlife corridors in Tanzania being under threat today, it is of great importance that the relationships between people, their government and the wildlife be understood and taken into account for any future management decisions.

Disciplines

Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Natural Resources and Conservation

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