Major Factors Influencing the Occurrence and Distribution of Human–Wildlife Conflicts Among Communities Bordering the Southern Part of Meru National Park

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) remains a major conservation and livelihood challenge for communities bordering protected areas, particularly where human settlements, agricultural activities and wildlife movement overlap. This study investigated human-wildlife conflicts among communities bordering the southern part of Meru National Park, Kenya. Specifically, the study mapped the spatial distribution of HWC incidences, determined major factors influencing their occurrence and distribution, and evaluated the influence of environmental and socio-economic factors on household economic losses. A mixed quantitative and spatial approach was adopted. Data were collected from 305 households using questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, field observations and GPS coordinates, supplemented by secondary information from the Kenya Wildlife Service. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, Chi-square testing and multiple regression were used to analyse the data. The findings showed that HWC was spatially concentrated in Machegere, Ngaani and Karika, with June recording the highest monthly incidence at 14.8%. Farms were the most affected locations, accounting for 48.5% of reported affected areas. Drought was the most frequently reported factor influencing HWC at 47.2%, followed by lack of fencing at 38.7% and farm expansion at 34.4%. A significant association existed between drought and lack of fencing, χ²(1) = 18.550, p < .001. Regression results indicated that frequency of wildlife attacks and farm size significantly increased household economic losses, whereas distance from the protected area and mitigation measures significantly reduced losses. The overall regression model was statistically significant, F(4, 300) = 22.077, p < .001, explaining 22.7% of the variation in household economic loss. The study concludes that HWC is spatially concentrated and shaped by interacting environmental, land-use and household-level conditions. It recommends targeted mitigation in identified hotspots, improved fencing, strengthened community participation and enhanced institutional support. Further research should examine long-term spatial and seasonal changes in HWC and evaluate the effectiveness of locally appropriate mitigation strategies.