Human-Wildlife Conflict and Crop Damage Around Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State

Human-wildlife conflict remains a significant challenge in communities surrounding Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Incidents of crop raiding by elephants, baboons, and other large mammals have intensified in recent years, driven by habitat loss and increasing human encroachment on the reserve's buffer zones. This study investigates the frequency, spatial distribution, and socioeconomic impacts of crop raiding incidents within five farming communities bordering the reserve. Data were collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, and direct field observation of damaged farmland between planting and harvest seasons. A total of 180 farming households were surveyed, and GPS coordinates were recorded for each reported conflict site to generate spatial distribution maps. Results indicate that elephant-related crop damage accounts for the highest proportion of economic losses, with an estimated average annual cost of N45,000 per affected household. Proximity to the reserve boundary was the strongest predictor of conflict frequency. Existing mitigation measures such as chili pepper barriers and noise deterrents were found to be inconsistently applied and of limited effectiveness. The study recommends an integrated conflict mitigation strategy combining early warning systems, compensation schemes, and ranger patrols. Strengthening the legal framework for wildlife damage compensation is also proposed. These findings have direct policy implications for the Bauchi State Ministry of Environment and Yankari Game Reserve management. Keywords: human-wildlife conflict, crop raiding, Yankari Game Reserve, North East Nigeria, conflict mitigation