Hunting is still an issue in NNP.

This research was inspired by different points of view about the effectiveness of protected areas conservation measures in Rwanda. In fact, Parks managers believe that they have done a lot while neighbouring people are still claiming for compensatory measures. Some do illegal activities in the Park (snares are still found in the park and ex-poachers are not happy with the way their cooperatives are treated). So, the park seems to be a source of conflicts rather than a development, conservation and recreational site. There is a need to carry out an independent study that will assess the balance between wildlife preservation and the improvement of living conditions of neighbouring people.

This research has 6 sub objectives:

(1) to make a comparison between socio-economic situation of ex-poachers before and after stopping poaching activities in NNP;

(2) to identify causes of poaching in NNP;

(3) to identify methods of poaching in NNP;

(4) to identify target animals;

(5) to map current poaching cases in NNP

(6) to assess the spatial relationship between the location of ex-poachers and poaching cases in NNP.

The results of this research will raise the awareness of Nyungwe National Park Managers through the proposal of new integrated conservation measures that would improve the economic situation of neighbouring people so that they will no more rely upon illegal activities especially animal poaching.