Buffer Crops as Mitigation Measure Against Crop Damage by Wildlife: A Case of Farmers Bordering Kibale National Park, Western Uganda

Abstract

The paper is a review of literature related to mitigation of crop damage by wildlife with a view to identifying information gaps and proposing suitable mechanisms for mitigating crop damage by wildlife among farmers bordering Kibale National Park. Basing on the Optimal Foraging Theory (OFT), The paper focused on practices of crop damage by wildlife and their mitigation. The concept of cultivating buffer crops as a mitigation measure against crop damage by wildlife is elaborated. The effect of wildlife damage on crops in absence of buffer crops, and the effect of farmers participation in mitigation of crop damage by wildlife through cultivation of buffer crops is discussed. A conceptual derivative from the review which contributes to improving farmers livelihoods through mitigation of crop damage by wildlife has also been developed as the outcome of the review.