Attitudes Toward Wildlife and Conservation Across Africa: A Review of Survey Research

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Abstract
Human–wildlife conflict is increasing across Africa and enlisting the support of local people is critical to conflict mitigation and conservation efforts. Information from attitude surveys can inform management and policy decisions particularly in situations of human–wildlife conflict. Our review of survey research in Africa revealed a wide range of methods. We discuss the challenges in obtaining valid, reliable, and generalizable data and consider the feasibility of transferring Western-based methods and theory to African settings. We examine how the reviewed studies address methodological issues as they relate to the basic tenets of scientific inquiry and make recommendations for a framework of standards of best practice. Using social science research tools, it is important to build upon this growing body of human dimensions research in Africa. Researchers need to recognize cultural variation while implementing consistent methodological and theoretical frameworks to ensure valid and reliable information is informing decision-making processes.

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