Human-Wildlife Conflict Survey in the Chitungulu Chiefdom

Author: Tom Riffel

Published: Last updated:

Social Research

Time Frame: August 2016

Partners: Chitungulu Foundation

Geographical Range: Chitungulu Chiefdom, Lumimba Game Management Area

Principal Investigators: Dr. Simone Galluba

Research Objectives:

  • To obtain basic data on farming conditions, pest species, pesticide use and local human-wildlife conflicts
  • Gather data to find concrete conservation measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

Figure 1: Pest Species in Cotton and Maize respectively (n=40).

The judicious allocation of conservation funds necessitates a thorough and exhaustive examination of available data pertinent to the focal area. In light of this, Nsanga Conservation conducted interviews with a total of 40 smallholder farmers in Chitungulu in June 2016, as part of an in-depth study focusing on human-wildlife conflict and agriculture. The Chitungulu community shares a direct border with Luambe National Park to the north. The primary objective of the agricultural survey was to acquire foundational data encompassing farming conditions, pest species, pesticide utilization, and local instances of human-wildlife conflicts. This systematic data collection initiative aimed to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the prevailing circumstances on the ground, facilitating a data-driven approach to address challenges effectively and implement targeted interventions.

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