Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a pressing challenge in and around Bouba N’djida National Park (BNNP), a critical conservation area in northern Cameroon. As agricultural activities expand and natural habitats shrink, competition for space and resources between local communities and wildlife has intensified. Farmers report frequent crop destruction by primates, elephants, and other large mammals, while carnivores such as hyenas prey on livestock, leading to significant economic losses. Our pilot sociological study, conducted in October 2022 in a focus group with local communities of BNNP, revealed that local people are exposed to crop and livestock loss and often injury from wildlife. Sometimes, species involved in conflict such as primates, hyenas, and elephants are also more exposed to retaliatory shooting, poisoning, or intentional capture. This project represents an expansion of our initial pilot study and would be the first initiative of its kind in BNNP. The majority of the Bouba Ndjidda population practises agriculture as their main income-generating activity, followed by livestock breeding. Unfortunately, people near the park experience economic losses due to damage to crops and livestock caused by wild animals (MINFOF, 2020). In response, some community members resort to retaliatory killings through poisoning, shooting, or trapping, exacerbating threats to biodiversity and conservation efforts.

This project aims to enhance the understanding of these issues and provide stakeholders with the necessary knowledge for the development of practical and sustainable deterrent measures.