Human-wildlife conflicts in the Central River Region of The Gambia: scale, cost, and potential solutions

The increasing challenge of human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) presents a significant barrier to wildlife and biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide. In Gambia’s Central River Region (CRR), this issue is exacerbated by high population density, human encroachment into wildlife habitats, evolving land use patterns, and the absence of cohesive local and national land use policies and spatial planning. This study explores the scale, economic impacts, and underlying causes of HWC in the CRR, a critical biodiversity corridor along the River Gambia, potentially threatened by these conflicts. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study identifies three primary types of HWC: urban and suburban conflicts, protected area encroachments, and crop raiding incidents on farmlands. The study finds that HWC contributes to substantial economic losses estimated at 6.9 and 5.92 million dalasi in 2019 and 2020, respectively. These conflicts often lead to land abandonment and have similarly adverse effects on both wildlife and domestic animals, although incidents involving the latter are less frequently reported. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated management strategies that not only mitigate the immediate impacts of HWC on local livelihoods but also address the long-term conservation challenges in Gambia. Compared to similar conflict scenarios in other African regions, the CRRs experience highlights the critical role of spatial planning and community engagement in conflict mitigation. This study contributes novel insights into the dy of HWC within the African context, emphasizing the necessity for context-specific solutions that reconcile human needs with wildlife conservation objectives.