Management of Human-wildlife Conflicts in Bakossi National Park, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Cameroon's rainforests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems in Africa, harbouring a wealth of flora and fauna. Tropical rainforests are among the most biodiverse and ecologically important ecosystems on the planet, providing critical ecosystem services and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Bakossi National Park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including many endangered and threatened species. The park's rainforest resources are vital not only for biodiversity conservation but also for supporting the livelihoods of the local communities who have depended on these resources for generations. This study examines the role of local community engagement and participation in the conservation of the national park's rainforest resources. Besides their engagement, the study also examines the role of local community participation in the conservation of rainforest resources, specifically the mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts within Bakossi National Park. The research employed a mixed-method approach, including semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations, to gather data from local community members, park management authorities, and other key stakeholders. The results of this study revealed that local community involvement in human-wildlife conflict management showed a significant association with stakeholders’ collaboration P<0.05, the awareness of mitigation measures r=0.106, P<0.05, and the application of mitigation measures X2=6.358, df=2, P<0.05 respectively. There is a significant relation between the collaboration in human-wildlife conflict management and local community involvement, X2=3.292 df=1, P<0.05. Effectively managing human-wildlife conflicts in Bakossi National Park requires a collaborative and community-centric approach. Additionally, the local community revealed a significant association with the people’s experience on the management of human-wildlife conflict, r=0.317, P=0.001. Human-wildlife conflict prevention is associated significantly with local community involvement, X2=5.481, df=3, P<0.05. This study clearly demonstrated the significant influence that local community involvement can have on the management of human-wildlife conflicts in some National Parks in Cameroon. Also, the study highlighted the importance of integrating local community knowledge, institutions, and practices into park management and decision-making processes. Empowering local communities as active partners in conservation, rather than viewing them as threats, can lead to more effective and equitable management of the park's resources. Recommendations include strengthening community-based natural resource management, enhancing benefit-sharing mechanisms, and fostering collaborative governance frameworks that recognise the central role of local stakeholders. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on the significance of community engagement in the conservation of protected areas in the Global South. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, park managers, and conservation practitioners working to ensure the long-term sustainability of Bakossi National Park and other similar ecosystems in the region.