The Indirect Socioeconomic Impact of Illegal Hunting of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) for Trophy in East Wollega, Ethiopia

Authors

  • Mosissa Geleta Wollega University Department of biology S

Keywords:

African buffalo, Dire Guda, Ethiopia, Illegal hunting, Trophy.

Abstract

The indirect impact of illegal hunting of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) for trophies on socioeconomic status of Dire Guda community was conducted from January 2012 to June 2013. The study was aimed to assess the indirect impact of illegal hunting for trophies on social, economic and health of people.  Data was collected by semi-structured interviews guided with conversation. Interview was conducted by Afan Oromo language which is native to people in the area. As illegal hunting is criminal, respondents were identified by a snowball sampling. A key informant was identified first to locate one or two individuals in a population. Then, information was gets handed from informant to informant. Respondents were interviewed separately to avoid tension of being arrested. All hunters were males because only males are culturally allowed. Data collected was interpreted by interpretive interactionism. A study revealed that hunting African buffalo for trophies was frequently practiced in the area. The primary motivation of people for hunting was culture inherited from their ancestors. In addition, individuals who had killed African buffalo had special acceptance, and socially acknowledged as strong and superman. This was a key factor among many that encouraged individuals for illegal hunting. The disparities between African buffalo killers and non-killers elicited social conflict during social events. Buying bullet, paying gun rent and delayed sowing of crops due to illegal hunting activities all resulted in low productivity, economic crisis and low subsistence of food. Hence, community education and awareness creation on illegal hunting has an indispensible role in curbing problems observed as a consequence of illegal hunting of African buffalo for trophy.

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Published

2014-07-21

How to Cite

Geleta, M. (2014). The Indirect Socioeconomic Impact of Illegal Hunting of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) for Trophy in East Wollega, Ethiopia. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences, 9(1), 64–75. Retrieved from https://asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/article/view/755