Climate Change and Human-Wildlife Conflict: A Case of Berejena in Chivi District, Zimbabwe

Sonile Gwede & Stella Muchemwa
Midlands State University, Zimbabwe
Email: muchemwas@staff.msu.ac.zw

Abstract: Climate change often affects the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife. This qualitative study assessed the impact of climate change on human-wildlife relationships in Berejena. The researchers interviewed a convenient sample of 10 participants and thematically analyzed the collected data. This study established that the climate in Berejena has changed, now characterized by erratic rainfall and high temperatures, leading to resource depletion. This triggered wildlife to move into human territories, causing havoc to crops, livestock, and humans themselves. Humans are also forced to encroach on wildlife areas for resources. The study concluded that climate change has precipitated human-wildlife conflict in Berejena. The study therefore underscores the need for policymakers to create policies that address human-wildlife conflict, support habitat restoration projects to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, provide safe ways to deter wildlife, and promote community education on harmonious coexistence with animals, since they share the same geographical space.