Study reveals that lack of food, not money, is the primary driver of poaching in East African national parks
Research conducted by Edwin Sabuhoro and his team at Penn State revealed that poverty and food insecurity are major factors driving illegal activities, such as poaching, in East African national parks. In a study focusing on Mkomazi National Park in Tanzania, it was found that the displacement of local communities from park lands led to illegal park use due to lack of access to essential resources like food, education, and finances.
The researchers emphasized that efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats need to address the root cause of poaching, which is food insecurity. They also highlighted the need for collaboration between national parks and local communities to ensure sustainable conservation practices. The study showed that villagers resorted to poaching primarily for food, rather than personal gain or education expenses.
Sabuhoro and his team are working on initiatives like the Human Wildlife Co-existence Research Network to bring together various stakeholders, including NGOs, government officials, academics, and local communities, to find solutions that benefit both wildlife conservation and local livelihoods. The network aims to bridge the gap between conservation efforts and community needs.
One of the key aspects of the research was the involvement of local researchers like Gasto Lyakurwa, who bring language skills, cultural knowledge, and trust within the community. By training and supporting local researchers, universities like Penn State can contribute to sustainable park management that benefits both humans and animals. This research was funded by the Ann Atherton Hertzler Early Career Professorship in Global Health.
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Michael Thompson earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University in the USA, specializing in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. His work revolves around the development of automated systems that increase farm efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Michael is now a senior engineer at a leading agri-tech company, where he designs innovative solutions for modern agriculture.