Why human-wildlife conflicts are rife in Taita-Taveta County

By RENSON MNYAMWEZI

Taita-Taveta is among the counties that face some of the worst human-wildlife conflicts in the country.

Out of the total area of 17,128 sq km covered by the County, the Tsavo East and West national Parks occupy 10,680 sq km or 62 per cent, turning it into a theatre of conflict between man and beast.

Rangelands occupy 4,110 sq km or 24 per cent, while only 2,055 sq km or 24 per cent is rangeland suitable for rain-fed agriculture.

The presence of wild animals has been a thorn in the flesh of the locals. It clearly demonstrates the negative impact of the wildlife’s presence in the region.

The Government has not adequately addressed the frequent wildlife attacks, especially by elephants and lions. Over the years, residents have suffered huge losses occasioned by herds of marauding elephants that invade their farmlands destroying crops, besides threatening lives.

Scores of compensation claims for victims either injured or killed by wildlife are yet to be processed.

Residents say the escalating wildlife invasion and massive crop destruction was largely to blame for the frequent famines in the area.

"Absolute rural poverty in the area can be attributed to wildlife-related destruction of crops, especially in areas bordering the parks, increasing dependency," said former Wundanyi legislator Mwandawiro Mghanga.

Some of the areas notorious for the human wildlife conflict include Maktau, Kishushe Miasenyi, Kasigau, Challa, Ndara and Jipe.

wildlife menace

Residents accuse KWS of dragging its feet in handling the wildlife menace.

However, Taita KWS Warden Constance Mwasho says several measures have been put in place to counter the escalating wildlife menace, among them, intensifying surveillance operations and construction of electric fence projects to minimise wildlife conflicts.

The warden called on local ranchers to diversify their farming activities by venturing into tourism.

Mwasho says local ranches have vast wildlife resources that could be converted into tourism activities to benefit residents.