Causes and Impacts of Conflict on Biodiversity Management at the Buffer Zone of Old Oyo National Park, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed causes and impacts of conflicts on biodiversity
management in Old Oyo National Park (OONP), Nigeria. Ten villages out of
about 41 villages sited within 10km radius around OONP were randomly
selected for wildlife assessment. A total of 100 questionnaire were
administered to the villagers while 40 questionnaire were administered to
Park Staff. Oral interview was also conducted. Secondary data was collected
from relevant records and documents on the park. Data collected were
subjected to inferential and descriptive statistics. Result shows that among
other demographic factors tested against the causes of conflict in the park,
education status and occupation show significant differences (P<0.05). The
buffer zone around the park has been extensively encroached; this made most of the surrounding villages to the park fall within the average distance of 2.6km. About 82% of villagers make use of fire during land preparation. About eighty seven percent of offenders arrested in 2009 were herdsmen while illegal hunters accounted for 8.4%. Major animals that intrude farmland in the study areas include Grasscutter (100%), Bush fowl (100%) Baboon (90.0%), Warthog (70.0%) and Roan antelope (70.0%). Availability of tarred road, medical facilities, schools, electricity and portable water is limited in the study area.

Key Words: Conflicts, Buffer zone, Old Oyo National Park, Poacher