Assessment of human-wildlife conflicts in communities living adjacent to Swagaswaga Game Reserve, Tanzania

Human-Wildlife Conflicts (HWC) pose a persistent challenge around Swagaswaga Game Reserve (SGR) in central Tanzania, threatening both local livelihoods and wildlife conservation. This study examined socio-demographic factors associated with HWC and their associated impacts on surrounding communities. Data were collected in April and May 2024 from 252 households in six villages, namely Serya, Mangoloma, Hurumbi, Mialo, Ndoroboni and Lahoda, adjacent to SGR, through six focus group discussions and six key informant interviews, one from each village using a mixed-method approach. Results showed that age and household size were significantly associated with the occurrence of HWC ( p < 0.05) confirming the expected variation in exposure to human-wildlife conflicts among community members, with implications for differential vulnerability within the affected communities. Additionally, maize (19%) was the crop most frequently reported to be destroyed by wildlife, while 42.1% of respondents reported livestock losses, with goats accounting for the largest proportion. Crop destruction was the most common type of HWC (61.4%). Among wildlife species, elephants ( Loxodonta africana ) were the most frequently reported to be involved in conflicts (22%). It was concluded that age and household size were the key socio-demographic factors that significantly influenced the likelihood of experiencing HWC. Local communities living adjacent to SGR face challenges such as crop raiding, habitat destruction, livestock depredation, and property damage by wildlife, leading to food insecurity. It is recommended that comprehensive and sustainable strategies, including community participation and education, be strengthened to mitigate HWC and promote coexistence between humans and wildlife in the SGR landscape.