Adoption of Geographical Information Systems Technology for Elephant Poaching Prevention in Tanzania National Parks.

Mtui, Abel Peter (2025) Adoption of Geographical Information Systems Technology for Elephant Poaching Prevention in Tanzania National Parks. Doctoral thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study explored the adoption and impact of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in combating elephant poaching in three key national parks in Tanzania: Ruaha, Tarangire, and Serengeti. The objectives of the study were: to evaluate the human capital’s capacity to adopt GIS in preventing elephant poaching; to examine the extent to which GIS technologies are used in elephant conservation; and to determine the cost benefits and effectiveness of GIS technologies in preventing elephant poaching. Results of the linear regression model (R² = 0.5738) showed that the major contributors to the increase in elephant population are reduced mortality rates (β = 0.4706), enhanced patrol coverage (β = 0.2891), and improved tracking systems (β = 0.1656). Success rates across the parks ranged from 88% in Serengeti to 98% in Ruaha, reflecting varying operational scales and implementation challenges. The findings further indicated an exceptional readiness of the human capital for the adoption of GIS, with 98.7% of wildlife conservation staff having received adequate training and demonstrating necessary knowledge. These findings underscore the transformative potential of GIS in wildlife protection and provide actionable insights for policymakers, conservation managers, and stakeholders committed to enhancing anti-poaching strategies through technological innovation. The study concludes that GIS technology is an indispensable tool in modern conservation and recommends sustained investments in staff training, infrastructure development, and active stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term success. Keywords: Adoption, Elephant poaching, Geographical Information systems, National Parks, Tanzania

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