Economic Consequence of Human - Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) Conflicts on Farming Livelihood in Rural Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Human-animal conflict is posing a severe threat to wildlife conservation as well as the long-term viability of farming communities. This study assessed the economic consequence of human-hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) conflicts on rural livelihoods in Adamawa state, Nigeria. The study had the following specific goals; describe the direct effects of Human Hippopotamus Conflict (HHC) on livelihoods in the study area, and estimate the agricultural economic losses incurred in the area as a result of HHC. A mixed research method was used to collect primary data from 371 crop farmers. The study relied on descriptive statistics in the analysis of the data collected between February to May 2019. The study found that Groundnut, Cowpea, and maize were among the most severely damaged crops at their mid-stage of development based on land size. In terms of the monetary value of the damages, sweet potato is the most affected. The study concluded that farmers should work as a team and adopt measures like fencing, scare tactics, or deterrents that will minimize significant crop losses. Also, there is the need for local awareness on the importance of Hippopotamus conservation in the area.