Why Has Human–Carnivore Conflict Not Been Resolved in Namibia?. Issue 9 (1st September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rust, Niki A.; Tzanopoulos, Joseph; Humle, Tatyana; MacMillan, Douglas C.
• Is Part Of: Society and natural resources. Volume 29:Issue 9(2016)
• Page Start: 1079
• Page End: 1094
• Publication Date: 2016-09-01
• Subjects: Apartheid -- depredation -- human–wildlife conflict -- livestock farming -- racism -- wildlife poaching; Natural resources -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2016.1150544
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-1920

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Human–wildlife conflict has historically been portrayed as a management problem where solutions lie in technical changes or financial incentives. However, recent research shows many conflicts stem from social, economic, and political drivers. We undertook qualitative data collection on livestock farms to determine whether relationships between farmers and their workers affected frequency of reported livestock depredation in Namibia. We found that the conflict was affected by social and economic inequalities embedded in the previous apartheid regime. Macro- and microlevel socioeconomic problems created an environment where livestock depredation was exacerbated by unmotivated farm workers. Poor treatment of workers by farmers resulted in vengeful behaviors, such as livestock theft and wildlife poaching. Successfully addressing this situation therefore requires recognition and understanding of its complexity, rather than reducing it to its most simplistic parts.