Sustainable development implications of human wildlife conflict: an analysis of subsistence farmers in Bhutan

ABSTRACT Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are part of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SD) that aim to eradicate poverty, achieve economic prosperity, gender equality, ensure social well-being, promote sustainable management and use of natural resources, and protect the Earth’s natural ecosystems. However, the occurrence of human–wildlife conflict (HWC) may impair SDGs to be achieved in developing regions where people and wildlife cooccur frequently. Surprisingly, there are few studies which have examined how HWC impedes achievement of SDGs. This paucity of information hinders the formulation and implementation of appropriate policy actions to achieve SDGs. We explored how HWC impacts on the livelihoods of rural communities in Bhutan through SD lens. We used a mixed method research approach and interviewed a stratified-random sample of 96 farmers from four different regions of Bhutan. Wildlife impacts are multidimensional and can inhibit achievement of several SDGs. All interviewees suffered crop and livestock depredations with substantial economic losses. These losses were higher for female-headed households and those with low asset holding, compounding their vulnerability. Among the HWC adaptation measures, adopted guarding, vigilant livestock herding, and electric fences were perceived effective but were predominantly applied by households in high asset class. Policy actions should focus on female-headed households and those families with lower asset category to reduce negative impacts of human wildlife interactions.