SOCIO - ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF HUMAN - WILDLIFE CONFLICTS IN KIENI SUB -COUNTY, KENYA

Humans and wildlife share resources in natural habitats resulting to increased human-wildlife conflicts both in frequency and severity across the world. HWC are serious in where ecosystem services are shared between humans and wildlife animals, exceptionally around areas that are protected. The objective of the study was to investigate the socio-economic impacts of human-wildlife conflicts in Kieni Sub-County, Kenya. A descriptive survey design was used in this study. Data collection was done using questionnaires administered to 71 households that were selected using simple random sampling technique. Participant field observations, interview schedules together with focus group discussions were also used. Analysis of data was done by use of descriptive statistics in form of frequencies and percentages. Information gathered from key informants was analyzed thematically. Results of the study revealed that human-wildlife conflicts resulted to both social and economic consequences including safety among the local communities, livestock predation, disease transmission and damage of property. The study concludes that human-wildlife conflicts had a substantial social and economic impact on the local communities of Kieni Sub-County through loss of crops, loss of animals, loss of income as a result of disease control and treatment, human injuries and inconveniences while protecting both crops and livestock not to be attacked by the wild animals.