Human–giraffe conflict in eastern Kenya: local interactions, attitudes, perceived risks, and pathways to coexistence

Introduction Giraffe populations across Africa face increasing pressures from habitat loss, poaching, and climate-driven resource scarcity, often intensifying interactions with nearby communities. In eastern Kenya, these pressures have contributed to emerging human–giraffe conflict (HGC), including crop losses, competition for water, and occasional livestock injuries. Although this reticulated giraffes play an important ecosystem role in the African savanna and the socio-economic well-being of African communities, their interactions with people, and how communities perceive and navigate HGC especially in non-tourism regions remains understudied. Methods To address this gap, we conducted 400 structured interviews with households around Bour-Algy Giraffe Sanctuary to assess local interactions with giraffes, attitudes, perceived risks, conflict drivers and preferred strategies for coexistence. Results On average, respondents generally possessed positive attitudes towards giraffes and, on average, respondents did not see giraffes as a risk: to personal or children’s safety, of disease transfer, to cattle productivity, or the integrity of the land. Risk perception even decreased if a respondent had encountered a giraffe. Interestingly, giraffes were perceived not to cause damage to land or other property by 59% of participants thus highlighting that it may be possible to promote co-existence in the region for a majority of people. Competition for water, lack of awareness on giraffe ecology, giraffe habitat encroachment, and poverty were raised as the four main cause of conflict. Respondents supported the use of fire, torches, and dogs as way to deter giraffes from farms. Discussion Our findings reveal a landscape where conflict exists but remains manageable, and where strong community support for giraffe presence provides a foundation for conflict transformation. Because of the proximity of giraffes to farms and homesteads, economic activities such as agriculture and cultural tourism, women-led acacia tree nurseries, invasive prosopis control and utilization along with opening up water corridors may motivate communities and minimize HGC. Our work provides a basis for action by the community and policy makers to promote giraffe-farmer co-existence in eastern Kenya.