Abstract:

This study examined the impact of climate change on human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in two ecologically distinct protected areas in Zambia: Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park (MoTNP) and Sioma Ngwezi National Park (SNNP). Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 171 households around MoTNP and 250 around SNNP through semi-structured questionnaires, complemented by 10 key informant interviews (KIIs) and 2 focus group discussions (FGDs) per site. Secondary data on climate and wildlife were obtained from the Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW). Quantitative data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS Version 30.The findings revealed significant climate variability, including declining rainfall trends (59 mm/year/decade in MoTNP and 43 mm/year/decade in SNNP) and rising temperatures, contributing to prolonged dry seasons and droughts. These climatic changes correlated with increased HWC incidents. SNNP reported a higher prevalence of HWC (92%) compared to MoTNP (79.5%). Four primary HWC types were identified: crop damage, property destruction, livestock depredation, and human attacks, predominantly occurring during the dry season and daylight hours. In MoTNP, elephants, baboons, monkeys, and buffaloes were the key conflict species, while SNNP also reported significant conflict with hippopotamuses, crocodiles, hyenas, lions, and leopards. Communities employed deterrents such as physical barriers and fireworks, while park management focused on education and sensitisation. The study recommends a context-specific, adaptive HWC mitigation strategy that addresses climatic, socio-economic and ecological drivers. These findings provide critical insights for wildlife managers and policymakers to develop sustainable and inclusive climate-resilient HWC mitigation.

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