Conflict Between Wildlife and Communities Living Adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

ABSTRACT This study sought to assess the relationships between wildlife and communities living adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, in order to evaluate actions that have been taken to make it easier for people and wildlife coexist and those that should be envisaged to ensure their sustainable coexistence. A questionnaire survey was conducted within concerned communities. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyses were presented. Findings showed that there are conflicts between wildlife and humans in the limits of the VNP, where nearly 70% of respondents indicated that relationship needed to be bettered. On the one hand, animals damage crops and kill or injure people, the most problematic wildlife species being buffalo that scored 51% of the respondents; one the other hand, significant illegal activities are frequently reported. People are not duly compensated, while malefactors against the protected area are punished when captured. This persistent antagonism is of the nature to threaten the sustainability of the park. The study suggested the use of a multi-action approach to alleviate current problems. This should include strengthening existing actions, building communities self-reliance, educating people how to coexist with wildlife through a comprehensive program of mass sensitization on environmental issues, meaningful assistance of communities in the protection of their property, and translocation of some problem-animals in order to avoid escalation of conflict and limit threats to the most endangered species, like mountain gorilla.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration A I

Declaration B

Approval Sheet III

Dedication IV

Acknowledgement V

Abstract VI

List of Tables X

List of Figures XI

List of Acronyms XII

Chapter

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background Information 1

Problem Statement 2

Purpose Of The Study 3

Research Objectives 3

Research Questions 4

Scope Of The Study 4

Significance Of The Study 5

Operational Definitions Of Key Terms 6

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 7

Introduction 7

Concepts, Ideas And Opinions From Authors About Conflict 7

Conceptual Framework 8

Related Studies 12

vii

Three METHODOLOGY 16

Research Design 16

Population of Study 16

Sampling Technique 16

Instruments of Research 18

Validity and Reliability of the Research Instrument 18

Data Gathering Procedure 19

Data Analysis Procedure 19

Ethical Considerations 20

Limitations Of The Study 21

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF

DATA 22

Evidence Of The Conflict Between Wildlife And Humans Around

Actions To Better Relationship Between Volcanoes National Park

And Communities Living Around The Area 29

Strategy For Sustainable Relationship Between Wildlife And

Communities Living Adjacent To Volcanoes National Park 32

F~ve FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 36

Findings 36

Conclusions 38

Recommendations 40

Suggestions For Further Research 42

References 43

Appendices 49

Appendix I: Transmittal Letter 49

Appendix II: Informed Consent 50

Appendix III: Research Instrument 51

Appendix IV: Budget 54

Appendix V: Time Frame 55

Appendix VI: Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 56