Human–African buffalo conflict: perceptions of damage, and mitigation strategies, in villages bordering Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Resource competition is the primary driver of human–African buffalo conflict around Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, with severe impacts on crops—particularly maize, beans, wheat, peas, and coffee—and human casualties. A survey of 131 households in Kambi ya Simba, Oldeani, and Tloma villages revealed that traditional mitigation strategies, such as guarding farms, lighting fires, and using torchlight, are currently employed but often ineffective. While electrified fencing has been adopted by a local coffee estate, broader implementation of modern deterrents paired with community awareness training could significantly reduce conflict-related damage. The study underscores the need for improved habitat management for African buffaloes and more effective mitigation strategies to alleviate human-wildlife conflict in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hariohay, K. M., Marandu, E. B., Lyimo, E. H., & Bajuta, E. S. (2024). Human–African buffalo conflict: perceptions of damage, and mitigation strategies, in villages bordering Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Oryx, 59(1), 101–108. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0030605324000784