Influence of Household Income Poverty on the Persistent Poaching Activities in Burunge Wildlife Management Area in Babati District, Tanzania.

Modest, Beatrice (2025) Influence of Household Income Poverty on the Persistent Poaching Activities in Burunge Wildlife Management Area in Babati District, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the influence of household income poverty on the persistent poaching activities in Burunge wildlife management area in Babati district, Tanzania. Data were collected from a sample size of 386 randomly selected respondents, where questionnaires were administered to heads of households, while in-depth interviews were conducted to purposively selected 22 key informants in the study area. Quantitative data was analysed by using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics while the qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The finding on the household monthly incomes among residents surrounding Burunge WMA reveals that 18.9% of households are living in extreme poverty, 14.2% are in moderate poverty, and 21.8% are vulnerable to poverty while 45.1% of households are categorized as non-poor. Further, the major reasons for poaching activities in Burunge WMA are bush meat for commercial purposes (46.7%), subsistence (38.3%) and traditional medicine (7.3%). The statistical analysis using the Chi-Square test showed a strong relationship between household income poverty levels and engagement in poaching activities (χ² = 33.452, df = 3, p<0.05). The study concludes that income poverty, characterized by inadequate education, lack of alternative livelihoods, economic desperation, and financial pressure, significantly drives individuals to engage in poaching activities. The study recommends for provision of alternative livelihood opportunities and supporting sustainable agriculture programs among residents surrounding Burunge WMA. Keywords: Household Income Poverty, Poaching Activities, Wildlife Management Area

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