Determinants of Local Residents’ Attitudes and Perceptions Towards Wildlife Conservation in Rimoi National Reserve, Kenya

Local residents’ attitudes and perceptions about protected areas are among the key factors that determine the success of conservation efforts. This paper examines determinants of local residents’ attitudes and perceptions towards wildlife conservation in Rimoi National Reserve (RNR) and its surroundings in Kenya. The study used household surveys, questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to collect data from local residents bordering RNR, local leaders and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) staff. Questionnaires consisting of closed and open-ended questions were distributed to 20 randomly selected heads of households in seven administrative locations giving a total of 140 respondents. In addition, 30 key informants were purposely selected from among KWS staff (5), local leaders (10), leaders of self-help groups (7), religious leaders (3), and village elders (5). Results showed that local residents’ perceptions were primarily associated with education level, occupation, forms of land use, crop and livestock invasion by wildlife from RNR, benefit-sharing and interaction between RNR staff and the local community. Logging (28%) and charcoal burning (25%) were the major illegal activities in RNR (χ2=50.60, df=6, p<0.001). Slightly over thirty percent of the respondents (32.4%) strongly agreed that RNR is a useful resource to be conserved. Efforts geared towards fostering more positive attitudes and perceptions of local residents towards wildlife and conservation in RNR should be promoted. For conservation goals to be achieved, there is need for involvement of local residents in conservation programs, promotion of wildlife conservation awareness, increased benefit-sharing and adoption of sustainable enterprise programs to alleviate poverty and illegal activities.