It is evident that there is a big decrease in elephants population in the country which is not only triggered by poachers, but also as a result of killings due to human wildlife conflict. In April 2016, the largest ever pile of ivory was set alight, which according to sources, was seven times bigger than any other ivory fire in the history of Kenya. A good question that anyone would be interested in, is what is the source of such products? Maybe it will take years to give an appropriate answer to this. As long as we are interested in curbing poaching and ending ivory trade networks, it is indeed very important to evaluate the role played by pastoralist communities in addressing the problems faced in wildlife conservation. One thing that we have to understand, is that pastoralist communities can be a gateway to provide one of the strategies towards protecting the wildlife. We have had cases where such communities are very close to wild animals and it is not a surprise that even wild animals, and especially elephants, are aware of them. Incorporating support from pastoralists is important to acquire basic information on what they know about poaching as most of them graze near wildlife conservation areas. It doesn't have to mean that they will be charged with the responsibility of arresting poachers, but bringing them closer to the rangers and organizations responsible for wildlife conservation will be a one step forward in mitigating the poaching menace. The ivory trade, which promotes poaching in Kenya is a problem that if the community living with the wildlife is involved, may help kick out the problem by providing significant information.
Poaching is not the only factor that ends up decreasing elephants' population, human wildlife conflict, although not a major factor also contributes killing the wild animals and more so, the elephants. Human wildlife conflict in some areas, comes in as a result of limiting the free movement of the animals. The conflict is propelled by a number of factors, the major one being cultivation of regions purposely isolated for wildlife movement, sometimes referred to as corridors. Usually, cultivation comes with temporary and permanent residential structures where farmers stay while undertaking daily duties. A good example is the case of kimana area where Amboseli National Park is located. In this scenario, land has been subdivided and every member got a piece, thus they can always do what they feel it is of benefit to them. As the elephants move from the park to alternative conservation areas, it is evident that the cultivated areas are in problem. Although elephants killing as a result of human conflict has greatly reduced, it is important that alternative actions are taken to prevent destruction of crops by elephants in areas near the parks and other wildlife conservation regions.
I am of the opinion that there should be thorough training and advocacy, aiming to inform the communities the role played by the wildlife. It should be noted that as long as plans are underway to protect crops and human lives against elephants, land use and management must be clearly planned to make decisions on how to run both wildlife conservation and crop cultivation.
Wildlife conservation needs a collective responsibility which should start with the community, stretches to the government through mandated organizations to the international stakeholders.
