Socioeconomic determinants of livestock depredation by carnivores in the Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Human-carnivore conflict (HWC) is an increasing conservation and livelihood challenge worldwide, particularly in rural areas where communities depend heavily on livestock and natural resources. Livestock depredation by large carnivores causes significant economic losses and often leads to negative attitudes toward wildlife conservation. In Africa, population growth, agricultural expansion, and habitat fragmentation have intensified interactions between humans and carnivores, increasing the risk of livestock predation. Factors such as seasonal movements, livestock management practices, and proximity to protected areas are known to influence the occurrence of conflict. However, evidence on how livelihood strategies and seasonal dynamics affect human-carnivore conflict in the Omo Valley of Southern Ethiopia remains limited, underscoring the need for context-specific studies to support effective coexistence strategies.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, from October to December 2023. A total of 147 households were selected from villages adjacent to Omo National Park and the Tama Community Conservation Area using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with livestock depredation, and variables with p < 0.05 in the multivariable model were considered statistically significant.

Result: Overall, 36.1% of households reported livestock loss due to carnivores. Spotted hyena was the most frequently reported predator, followed by leopard and lion, while African wild dog was least reported. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that occupation, household wealth status, and proximity to the protected area were significant predictors of livestock depredation. Pastoralist households were significantly more likely to experience livestock loss due to carnivores compared with agro-pastoralist households (AOR = 13.4, 95% CI: 2.41-15.64), Household wealth status was also significantly associated with livestock depredation, with Poor households had 2.1 times higher odds of experiencing livestock loss due to carnivores compared with rich households (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.94-5.08).

Conclusion and recommendation: Livestock depredation by carnivores is common in the study area and is strongly influenced by occupation, asset-based classification and distance to the national park. Targeted conflict mitigation strategies focusing on high-risk households and locations are essential for promoting human-carnivore coexistence.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.