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Gendered risk perceptions associated with human-wildlife conflict: implications for participatory conservation
Meredith L Gore1, Jessica S Kahler
1Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America. gorem@msu.edu
Plos One
|March 10, 2012
Summary
Understanding gender differences in risk perception is crucial for effective human-wildlife conflict (HWC) mitigation and participatory conservation. This study highlights how gendered views impact conservation participation and goal alignment.
Area of Science:
- Conservation Biology
- Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)
- Participatory Conservation
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Participatory conservation approaches are increasingly vital for biological conservation.
- Understanding stakeholder perceptions of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is essential for effective conservation strategies.
- The role of gender in shaping these perceptions and influencing participation in conservation initiatives requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the importance of considering gender in participatory conservation.
- To gender-disaggregate data on stakeholder risk perceptions related to HWC.
- To identify gendered similarities and differences in how individuals perceive HWC-related risks.
Main Methods:
- Case study conducted in two communal conservancies in Caprivi, Namibia.
- Gendered concept mapping from focus groups (n=2) to analyze risks to wildlife and livelihoods.
- Semi-structured interviews (n=76) with men and women to measure explicit risk attitudes towards HWC.
Main Results:
- Concept mapping revealed divergent perceptions regarding risks to wildlife and livelihoods, with variations in risk identification and description.
- Overall risk perceptions associated with HWC were similar between genders, except for concerns about impacts on local livelihoods.
- Gendered differences in risk perception may indicate varying priorities and incentives for participating in HWC resolution efforts.
Conclusions:
- Gender is a significant factor influencing risk perceptions in participatory conservation contexts.
- Divergent perceptions, particularly concerning livelihoods, suggest that shared conservation goals may not always be aligned.
- Moving beyond gender as a simple explanatory variable is necessary for a nuanced understanding of participation in conservation activities.
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