In the area around Bénoué National Park (BNP) in Cameroon, human-elephant conflict (HEC) is a growing issue, with elephants damaging crops like maize, groundnuts and millet. A 2010 study in the Bénoué Wildlife Conservation Area (BWCA) found that crop raiding by elephants rose from 40% in 1997 to 58% in 2010, sometimes leading to retaliatory killings. Still, most locals supported the park (79%) and nearby hunting concessions (76%), even though over half said they received no direct benefits from elephants.
The conflict is made worse by people moving into elephant habitats. Conservation programs since 1996, led by NGOs, have improved attitudes through education and local jobs. To reduce conflict and protect elephants, the study recommends better land-use planning, simple deterrents on farms and more community involvement. Regulated hunting areas continue to play a role in generating revenue and building local support for conservation.
