Human-wildlife conflict in Mbire District: Towards a compensation framework for wildlife induced injuries and loss of human life.

Abstract

Wildlife resources in communal areas are meant to benefit local people and ensure that good outcomes are maximised. Conservation outcomes are jeopardised with human wildlife conflict which has resulted in human injuries and loss of life. In this study, human wildlife conflict was identified as a challenge that resulted in communities deploring wildlife resources in Mbire District. It emerged that human wildlife conflict affects wellbeing of those injured and families in cases of loss of life. Central to the discussion of human wildlife conflict was compensation as remedial action to the injuries and loss of life. Explicitly, Mbire District does not have an enforceable compensation framework, but one which is premised on convenience. In the absence of financial resources and legal basis, those affected have no alternative for redress. Through a qualitative approach, the study posited a compensation framework for addressing wildlife induced injuries and loss of life. Governance, financial support, policy frameworks and legal backup emerged as essential elements that should constitute a compensation framework for human wildlife conflict. The study concluded that if human dignity is to be upheld, mitigation and remedial actions through legal support for human wildlife conflict have to be instituted.