Human–Wildlife Conflict and Livelihood Vulnerability: A Sustainable Livelihoods Framework Analysis from Northern Uganda

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dc.contributor.authorAloyo, J. Innocent
dc.contributor.authorLaloyo , A .Stella
dc.date.accessioned2026-04-27T09:02:42Z
dc.date.available2026-04-27T09:02:42Z
dc.date.issued2026-04-07
dc.descriptionEthical clearance was obtained from the Gulu University Research Ethics Committee (GUREC) in March 2025 with clearance number GUREC-2025 1202. All participants provided informed consent. Participation was voluntary, and confidentiality was maintained throughout the study.
dc.description.abstractABSTRACT Introduction: Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) remains a major barrier to sustainable development in conservation-adjacent landscapes across Sub-Saharan Africa, where frequent wildlife incursions threaten livelihoods, food security, and social cohesion. In northern Uganda, communities in Lii Subcounty, Nwoya District, face repeated crop destruction, livestock predation, and human injuries, creating complex socioeconomic, environmental, and governance challenges. This study examines the multidimensional impacts of HWC on household livelihoods using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to capture the interplay of economic, human, social, natural, and physical capital. Methodology: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining 126 household surveys, 6 key informant interviews, and 5 focus group discussions involving 40 participants. Quantitative data measured the scale of economic losses, food insecurity, and livelihood disruptions, while qualitative narratives provided insights into lived experiences, coping strategies, and social dynamics of HWC. Findings: Findings indicate that HWC constitutes a multidimensional shock undermining all five livelihood capitals. Economically, households reported annual losses averaging UGX 5,823,636, with over 57.7% experiencing severe food insecurity. Human capital is diminished through injuries, fatigue, and psychological distress associated with constant farm protection. Women and children bear a disproportionate burden, facing increased labour demands, heightened exposure to risks, and rising incidences of gender-based violence. Social cohesion is eroded by fear, mistrust, and reduced cooperation, while educational outcomes are disrupted as children miss school to guard crops or due to insecurity. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concludes that unresolved HWC represents a multidimensional development and governance crisis that undermines progress toward SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 5 (Gender Equality), and 15 (Life on Land). Policy recommendations emphasise integrated, participatory, and gender-responsive strategies: strengthening community-based wildlife management, establishing early warning systems, implementing compensation or insurance schemes for livelihood losses, and aligning conservation policy with local development priorities through adaptive co-management frameworks. These measures are essential to mitigate risks, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable human–wildlife coexistence, ensuring that both conservation objectives and community livelihoods are supported in the long term.
dc.description.sponsorshipThis research was self-sponsored by the researcher.
dc.identifier.issn2707-5303
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14270/826
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherEast African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
dc.relation.ispartofseriesVolume 9, ; Issue 1
dc.subjectHuman–wildlife conflict
dc.subjectLivelihoods
dc.subjectFood security
dc.subjectGender
dc.subjectSustainable Development Goals
dc.subjectUganda.
dc.titleHuman–Wildlife Conflict and Livelihood Vulnerability: A Sustainable Livelihoods Framework Analysis from Northern Uganda
dc.typeArticle

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