Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate local people’s tolerance to wildlife raids. This was done by estimating costs of raids and interviewing affected communities around Mole National Park in Ghana. Multiple regression was done to predict local people’s tolerance. Results revealed there was loss of tolerance with time mainly due to the effect of cost of raid acting in synergy with the number of farmers affected. It also raised suspicions that other factors, possibly including mistrust, account for loss of tolerance. Plans for management-community collaboration should be reviewed recognizing the local people‘s views, concerns, and needs, addressing also the area of mistrust, if any, and proposing some long-term and tangible benefits for government implementation and donor support at fringe communities. Evidence from this study suggests that review measures need expedited action because tolerance reduces as time progresses.

Key words: Crop raids, multiple regression, tolerance, local people, wildlife reserve, elephant.