DAMAGE COMPENSATION AND HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA
Susan Wanja Njora - Student, Master of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Patrick Mbataru Nyambari - Lecturer Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Human- wildlife conflict is a global problem. Balancing the needs of a rising population with the conservation of bio-diversity make it more urgent to understand the continuously changing dynamics of human–wildlife relationships. This study aimed at adding to the growing academic interest in human-wildlife conflict. It investigated the effects of damage compensation on human-wildlife conflict resolution in Laikipia County, Kenya, an area characterized by increasing human-wildlife interactions due to expanding agricultural activities and the encroachment of human settlements into wildlife habitats. The study had two objectives: examining the effect of timing of disbursement of damage compensation funds on human-wildlife conflict resolution and determining the effect of adequacy of damage compensation funds. It was informed by the Social Equity Theory. It adopted a descriptive survey research design that allowed for mixed (quantitative and qualitative) methodologies. The target population were 406 individuals comprising of farmers, pastoralists, local authorities, government representatives and representatives of non-government organizations engaged in wildlife conservation and compensation programs. The sample size were 198 individuals arrived at through stratified random sampling. A structured survey questionnaire that captured primary data on respondents’ experiences was distributed to them. In addition, key informant interviews were done, to provide in-depth data and insights into the broader socio-economic implications of compensation practices and their effectiveness in resolving human-wildlife conflicts. The instruments were subjected to expert assessment to enhance their validity. Pilot testing was conducted to determine their reliability and effectiveness in measuring the desired variables. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics, supported by SPSS version 24, a statistical package for the social sciences. Moreover, qualitative data were analyzed thematically to supplement quantitative data interpretation. This study found that wildlife damage compensation in Laikipia County is undermined by administrative delays, weak communication, inadequate and uncertain funding, and inconsistent application of equity, which collectively erode trust and limit conflict resolution effectiveness. The empirical analysis revealed that timeliness and adequacy of compensation, and not just fairness, greatly affect the resolution of human-wildlife conflicts. The measures to remedy the identified shortcomings include digitization and simplification of the process of filing claims, establishing definite deadlines for the provision of services, communication improvements, financial sustainability, valuation criteria standardization, and the integration of compensation with the conflict prevention program. The findings from the above study can be used not only in Laikipia county but also in other areas that experience human-wildlife conflicts. The findings will contribute to the establishment of harmonious co-existence between humans and animals.