Assessing the Effectiveness of Buffer Zones in Reducing Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

Human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs) present a major challenge to conservation efforts and local livelihoods, particularly in areas surrounding protected ecosystems like Nyungwe National Park (NNP), Rwanda. Buffer zones have been established as mitigation strategies to minimise these conflicts by creating transitional spaces between human settlements and wildlife habitats. However, their effectiveness remains unclear, necessitating a comprehensive assessment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of buffer zones in mitigating HWCs around NNP by analysing their current status, the impact of conflicts on local communities, and the relationship between land cover characteristics and conflict frequency. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating GIS and remote sensing with household surveys and key informant questionnaires. Data were collected from 400 households neighbouring NNP, and analysis involved descriptive statistics, spatial mapping, and qualitative content analysis. Findings indicate that the existing buffer zone, covering 100.83 km², varies in width from 0.08 km to 2.99 km, leaving some villages vulnerable to wildlife incursions. Over 71% of respondents perceived buffer zones as ineffective, particularly in preventing crop raiding by primates such as baboons and monkeys. GIS analysis revealed that land-use changes, including agricultural expansion and settlements within buffer zones, have reduced their effectiveness in mitigating HWCs. The study underscored the need for a multi-layered buffer approach integrating natural forests, non-palatable agroforestry crops, and deterrent plant species. Strengthening community participation, improving land-use planning, and incorporating wildlife tracking data into buffer zone management are recommended to enhance human-wildlife coexistence. Findings provided valuable insights for policymakers, conservationists, and local stakeholders to improve conservation strategies in NNP and similar ecosystems.