Evaluating Climate Change Resilient Approaches to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Tana River County, Kenya

Human-wildlife conflict remains a persistent challenge in Kenya's Tana River County, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, including erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and shrinking natural habitats. This journal evaluates the effectiveness of climate change resilient strategies in mitigating such conflicts by examining local perceptions, institutional interventions, and ecological impacts. Adopting a mixed methods research (MMR) design, the study collected data from a total of 399 participants, including 183 household representatives selected through simple random sampling and 216 key informants comprising 113 wildlife officers, 45 government officials, 34 conservationists, and 24 community leaders selected through purposive sampling. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires, interviews, and secondary sources. The findings reveal that climate variability has intensified competition over water and pasture between communities and wildlife, increasing incidences of crop destruction, livestock predation, and human injuries or deaths. While several mitigation strategies such as early warning systems, community-based wildlife management, and climate-smart land use planning have been initiated, their implementation remains inconsistent and under-resourced. The journal underscores the need for integrated, locally grounded, and climate-resilient approaches that engage multiple stakeholders. It recommends enhancing institutional coordination, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and investing in climate data infrastructure as critical pathways to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and enhance ecological and community resilience in Tana River County. Key Words: Climate Resilience, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Adaptation Strategies, Natural Resource Management