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Livelihood Security and Perceived Prevalence of Illegal Activities Threatening Mountain Gorilla Conservation in East Africa’s Virunga Landscape

Author

Listed:
  • Edwin Sabuhoro

    (Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management and African Studies, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA)

  • Brett A. Wright

    (Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA)

  • Ian E. Munanura

    (Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, College of Forestry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA)

  • Peter Mkumbo

    (School of Community Resources and Development, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Hainan Campus, Arizona State University, 58 Rebmin Avenue, Haikou 570208, China)

  • Katie P. Bernhard

    (Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA)

  • John T. Mgonja

    (Department of Tourism and Recreation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3000, Tanzania)

Abstract

Illegal activities pose challenges to the conservation of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) across the Virunga Landscape (VL). This paper investigates the relationship between household livelihood security (HLS) and the perceived prevalence of illegal activities across the VL. Results from a survey of 223 residents of areas adjacent to the VL in Uganda and Rwanda reveal varied links between human livelihoods and illegal activities threatening wildlife. For example, while poaching appears to be negatively associated with health and financial security among residents, it is positively associated with education security, indicating that education may be contributing to illegal activities threatening wildlife. Food security constraints were also found to be significantly associated with poaching. Finally, findings suggest that although HLS investments are essential in improving local community livelihoods, only food and financial security are the most effective means of reducing illegal activities in Virunga.

Suggested Citation

  • Edwin Sabuhoro & Brett A. Wright & Ian E. Munanura & Peter Mkumbo & Katie P. Bernhard & John T. Mgonja, 2022. "Livelihood Security and Perceived Prevalence of Illegal Activities Threatening Mountain Gorilla Conservation in East Africa’s Virunga Landscape," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:9:p:1509-:d:909936
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