Impact of Baboons’ Raiding on Students’ Learning in Fringe Communities of the Shai Hills Resource Reserve, Ghana

Abstract

The study researched on impact of Baboon’s raiding on learning in fringe communities of the Shai Hills Resource Reserve, Ghana. The study utilized the descriptive research design. The population included farmers, teachers, students and other residents who lives around the 100 m radius of the protected area. Stratified random sampling determined 250 residents. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions while quantitative data was collected through surveys and observation. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic approach. Observed activities of baboons included movement, socializing, resting and feeding, occurring at various times throughout the monitoring periods. Notably, feeding accounted for the majority of observed activities. The baboons spent fewer hours in the reserve during the daytime, most likely due to scarcity of suitable food, which is a crucial resource for wildlife. During school hours (between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm), the baboons interrupted the teaching and learning activities. Their struggle for survival, co-existing with humans in the same space for food and water heightened conflicts, particularly within the fringe communities of the SHRR. The study recommends that research and conservation efforts are necessary to mitigate potential conflicts between wildlife and human communities in the studied area. Challenges of wildlife-human coexistence call for further efforts in managing conflicts to address both wildlife and human interests.