ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN–ELEPHANT CONFLICT IN COMMUNITIES ADJACENT TO TWO PROTECTED AREAS IN BOKI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
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Human-elephant conflict (HEC) poses a threat to biodiversity and rural livelihoods in West Africa. This study utilized a mixed-methods convergent parallel design approach Integrating Household Surveys (n = 159), focus group discussions, and GIS-based spatial analysis to investigate HEC dynamics in Mbe Mountains Wildlife Sanctuary and Okwangwo Division of Cross River National Park, Nigeria. Purposive sampling of four communities was adopted, using structured questionnaires to capture socio-economic impacts and GPS field visits to document crop damage. Data were analysed using the R- environment, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Kruskal-Wallis analyses to determine relationships between proximity, crop selectivity, and mitigation efficacy. Results indicate a pervasive conflict where 100% of respondents experienced elephant incursions, resulting in about 82.1±8.11% crop loss. Spatial analysis confirmed proximity as the primary driver, with 85% of affected farms within 500 meters of protected boundaries. Statistical evidence revealed significant selectivity (p < 0.01), with elephants disproportionately targeting high-value cocoa and plantain. Notably, a disconnect exists between attitudes and behavior; mitigation choice is governed by resource constraints than conservation perceptions. Existing deterrents were universally ineffective, showing no statistical relationship with conflict reduction. Moran’s I analysis identified nine significant hotspots requiring urgent prioritization. This study recommends strengthening human–elephant conflict management through evidence-based landscape planning that reflects the spatial and seasonal patterns of crop raiding in the study. Interventions should prioritize conflict hotspots, improve collaboration among conservation agencies and local communities, and provide incentives such as compensation, livelihood support, and crop-protection measure to promote long-term human–elephant coexistence.
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