Extent and factors associated with wildlife poisoning by farmers around Toro-Semliki wildlife reserve, Western Uganda

Abstract

In Uganda, wildlife populations are collapsing as they, among others, fall victim to poisoning by farmers. Despite the devastating consequences associated with poison use, this practice is not well quantified in Uganda. Data on the extent and predictors of poison use was gathered in areas neighboring Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve through direct observations, informal discussions and questionnaires completed by 215 farmers. ‘Randomized Response Technique’ was used to estimate the prevalence of poison use, whereas direct questions were used to characterize the poisons used, sources, usage, reasons for poisoning, targeted wildlife species and carcass disposal methods. This was supplemented with a review of secondary data and direct observations. Factors influencing poison use among farmers were also determined. It was found that 15% of the sample farmers used poison and this was exclusively done as retaliation to wildlife for crop raiding and livestock depredation. Of the poisons used, 79.6% were carbofuran products. Most (83%) of the respondents involved in poison use sourced the poisons from agro-vet stores. Poisons were set using food baits and baboons were the most targeted species. Of the respondents that discovered carcasses, 47% disposed them off in the nearby bushes while 28% engaged in human scavenging of poisoned carcasses which is a public health concern. Logistic regression showed a significant relationship between poison use and some socioeconomic variables and farm characteristics. Farmers with low level of education, involved in growing biennial crops, owning small farms and those with less experience in agriculture were more likely to engage in poison use. The use of poison in the study area has is a threat to biodiversity and public health. To reduce wildlife poisoning risk, it is recommended that government undertakes robust enforcement of regulations and monitoring of the importation, trading and use of highly hazardous agrochemicals that are a threat to wildlife. Approaches such as conservation education, compensation of farmers for wildlife damage and growing of unpalatable crops towards the reserve boundary would yield good wildlife stewardship and a gradual transition from human-wildlife conflicts, possibly to a mutualistic co-existence. Finally, pesticide safety educational training programs for farmers should be introduced to reduce health risks resulting from pesticide abuse and misuse.