Fulani of the Highlands: Costs and Benefits of Living in National Park Enclaves

摘要: Attempts to deal with human–animal conflicts are often beset difficulties due a lack of local consultation and appreciation knowledge systems. We address these issues by investigating human–wildlife conflict, specifically crop-raiding, as experienced population Fulani living within the highland enclaves Gashaka Gumti National Park. classify sources risk perceived benefits Fulani, who traditionally pastoralists but have taken on settled lifestyle. By distinguishing between incidence severity subjective perceptions we view crop-damage in context other costs associated more inside national park. Attitudes toward specific crop depredating wildlife domestic animals also investigated, well reasons for recent changes agricultural productivity cattle herd dynamics. Results show that prosperity livestock was considered greatest benefit enclaves, whilst secure environment afforded park authorities, contributing safety family cows, identified The livelihoods damage crops, most serious problem prohibitions use resources. Animal 16 species rated had negative impact yields. olive baboon pose threat subsistence. Comparisons then made actual recorded amounts revealed significant disparity. Why such disparity should exist is complex. live not because they wish farm, it good place rear cattle. Adverse direct size, socio-economic status individuals may determine diversification from pastoralism into farming. This influence ­identification particular which, turn, affects how an individual perceives authorities charged protect.