LOCAL COMMUNITIES’ SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES IN BADINGILO NATIONAL PARK AND ITS SURRROUNDINGS, SOUTH SUDAN

Abstract

This study was conducted in Badingilo National Park (BNP) and its environs in South Sudan. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of selected socio-economic activities on natural resources within and around the park. Specific research objectives included: to determine the main community and household sources of livelihood and income within and around the Park; to evaluate the impact of human activities on resources within and around the Park; to determine natural resource based conflicts within and around the Park; and lastly to establish measures implemented to resolve the resource-based conflicts experienced. The study used the survey research design. The target population consisted of local communities living within the 5 km distance from the Park boundary and staff working in the wildlife sector. Data was collected using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Simple random sampling was used to select community members, while purposive sampling was used to select key informants from the wildlife sector. In total, a sample of 287 respondents was chosen for the study. With the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Selected variables were subjected to the Chi-square test. Results are presented using tables, graphs, photographs and maps. Study findings established that the major source of community livelihood within and around the Park is agropastoralism, while secondary economic activities include brewing, agriculture, hunting, fishing and gathering. Results also showed that the human activities significantly impacted negatively on natural resources within and around the park. The study also revealed that resource conflicts have accelerated due to competition over declining and scarce resources like water and pasture particularly on community farms. Measures of resolving conflicts include compensation for losses incurred and fencing of farms and cattle camps. The study recommends the need to have an understanding of how access, use and management of natural resources are dealt with at village level and the social structures in which they are embedded.