Human Wildlife Conflict and Securitization of Cities in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Over the years, several countries in Africa and elsewhere have recorded high numbers of human mortalities and injuries owing to wildlife attacks. Research has also shown that these attacks have also affected personal security, safety and food security for communities living alongside wildlife. This is particularly evident in most cities adjacent to human wildlife zones in Africa and in Zimbabwe in particular. These attacks from wildlife includes but not limited to crop raids and livestock predation. This has posed a major threat not only to human security and urban safety but to food security amongst populations living in wildlife infested areas such as Victoria Falls and Kariba towns in Zimbabwe. I propose to work on a study focusing on HWC, climate change, and scarcity of food for wildlife like elephants and baboons in Kariba and Victoria Falls cities in Zimbabwe. This study will look at how such communities can move from conflict to coexistence with wildlife. I also hope to do a comparative study on the impact or consequences of HWC in South African communities living adjacent to wildlife areas and national parks. The study will interrogate why the responsible authorities are not prioritizing securitization of urban cities and communities or sustained measures to mitigate HWC in such areas. This research foci will engage with issues around state capacity to protect its citizens through securitization (border fencing, culling of wildlife animals and relocating some of the problem animals like elephants to National parks).