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Why Has Human–Carnivore Conflict Not Been Resolved in Namibia?

Rust, Niki, MacMillan, Douglas C., Tzanopoulos, Joseph, Humle, Tatyana (2016) Why Has Human–Carnivore Conflict Not Been Resolved in Namibia? Society & Natural Resources, 29 (9). pp. 1079-1094. ISSN 0894-1920. E-ISSN 1521-0723. (doi:10.1080/08941920.2016.1150544) (KAR id:55371)

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

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/08941920.2016.1150544
Uncontrolled keywords: Apartheid; depredation; human–wildlife conflict; livestock farming; racism; wildlife poaching
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: Douglas MacMillan
Date Deposited: 11 May 2016 10:06 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2021 13:34 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/55371 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Rust, Niki.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

MacMillan, Douglas C..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2573-5049
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Tzanopoulos, Joseph.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3322-2019
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Humle, Tatyana.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1919-631X
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