The Effectiveness Of Olgulului Predator Consolation Scheme In Addressing Humanpredator Conflict In Amboseli National Park, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The study provides in-depth understanding of human-predator conflict which

involves livestock killing by wild animals (lions, leopard, hyena, cheetah and

leopards) and the livestock farmer’s kill wild predators to secure their

livelihoods. Globally and locally, human-predator conflict efforts to minimize

conflicts included compensation for livestock losses, human death / injury and

support to social development programs. Whilst acknowledging efforts made

to address the human-predator conflicts, the problem remains unresolved over

the years. Olgulului Predator Consolation Scheme was established in

Olgulului group ranch in Amboseli ecosystem to compensate farmers for

predated livestock; minimize rampant killing of wild predators; involve all

stakeholders in enhancing proper livestock husbandry to reduce humanpredator

conflict. While the scheme objectives were sound, its effectiveness

has not been systematically evaluated. The evaluation study’s overall goal was

to assess the effectiveness of the Olgulului predator consolation scheme in

minimizing livestock-predator conflict in the study area, with specific

objectives to; (a) Identify types and causes of human-predator conflict; (b)

explore the positive and negative outcomes of the scheme; (d) establish

challenges facing the scheme; (e) identify lessons learnt and best practices for

enhancing the scheme effectiveness. The study employed qualitative methods

of data collection and evaluation research design. The Secondary data was

collected by desk reviews, journals, newspapers, reports and websites, while

the primary data was collected through semi structured and Group Discussions

interview schedules with open ended questions. Additionally, Multi stage

sampling method was used to select 125 household heads {respondents} and

was limited to persons aged 18 years and above. Informed consent was

obtained from the respondents (participants) after explanation and clarification

of the study objectives. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was

used to analyze descriptive qualitative data and presented in graphs, charts and

tables. Conflict and social exchange theories guided the study. The research

findings revealed that the Olgulului predator consolation scheme had an effect

on minimization of human-predator conflict in the study area because

livestock owners were compensated and predator killing had reduced. The

respondents however, expressed concerns on some challenges facing the

scheme such as delayed compensation, inadequate compensation fee and

unreliable funding sources. In conclusion, predator consolation scheme has

proven effective in minimizing human-predator conflicts in the study area.

The study recommended for reinstatement of government compensation for

property and human deaths to enhance its financial sustainability.