Cattle Farming at the Wildlife/Livestock Interface: Assessment of Costs and Benefits Adjacent to Kruger National Park, South Africa

This study examined the extent and magnitude of cattle loss to wildlife depredation and diseases and also considered the benefits from the park for households adjacent to Kruger National Park. Data were from interviews with 540 randomly sampled households, inspection of records, and focus-group discussions. Households in villages close to the park reported higher incidence of livestock depredation (32%) than those further from the park (13%). Livestock diseases described by farmers included foot-and-mouth and heartwater. A partial budget was used to compare costs incurred and benefits derived by households. Mean annual costs of wildlife/livestock interactions, taking into account benefits associated with proximity to the park, averaged US$34 per household. Farmers viewed wildlife as an obstacle to cattle farming. Mechanisms to reduce effects of wildlife damages and increase livelihood benefits of coexistence with wildlife for households and the community are suggeste