The Challenges We Face
In a country where more than 60% of the population lives in rural areas and derive their livelihood from the natural resources surrounding them, it is not surprising that we face a complex suite of challenges.
Although the demand for bush meat is mostly driven by the wealthier, urban population from nearby towns, poaching often starts in the villages with local people. Some meat is consumed locally and sold commercially, afforded and driven by local people in employment, but much of it is sold outside of the local area where it fetches much higher prices. This demand puts enormous pressure on wildlife and causes the death of thousands of animals every year through snaring and hunting with firearms. In an area where human populations are increasing, land use zoning is not being implemented and due to existing poverty, the challenge of poaching is immense.
Equally, habitat loss through human encroachment and agriculture puts additional pressure on the land and without a viable and endorsed land use plan, this trend will continue.
Law enforcement officers are often shunned by the community and may fall under attack, verbally or physically on a regular basis. It takes great discipline and pride not to react to these insults and it is the job of the Operations Manager to ensure this high level of discipline is maintained.
In a political climate where most governments need to put great emphasis on people’s needs such as education, health, water and job opportunities, there is often little political will or financial support left for wildlife and conservation issues. Financing such activities and getting the right support is an ongoing challenge.