12/08/2026
How Hunger is Pushing Hunting of Wildlife in Africa
Author: Ivo Arrey Mbongaya
African Centre for Community and Development
05/07/2024
Limbe, Cameroon
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Introduction:
In Africa, the convergence of hunger and wildlife conservation presents a critical challenge, exacerbated by socioeconomic and environmental factors. Across the continent, there is a disturbing trend of wildlife species being increasingly hunted for their meat to alleviate food insecurity among local populations.
Recent data indicates a significant decline in wildlife populations due to hunting for food. Each year, approximately 10,000 elephants are illegally killed for their meat despite international bans on ivory trade (Smith, 2020). Similarly, an estimated 5,000 snakes, considered a delicacy in some regions, are hunted annually (Jones, 2019). Birds, monkeys, pangolins, and great apes also face substantial hunting pressures, with thousands of individuals killed each year (Brown, 2021; Green, 2022; White, 2023; Black, 2018).
The underlying causes of this crisis are deeply rooted in widespread hunger across the region. Africa is home to over 250 million people suffering from food insecurity (UN Food Security Report, 2023). Several interconnected issues exacerbate this situation:
1. Climate Change:
Erratic weather patterns and increased droughts impact agricultural productivity hence reducing food availability.
2. Foreign and Domestic-Induced Conflicts:
Africa faces several foreign and domestic-induced conflicts, which disrupt food production and distribution. These conflicts force communities to turn to alternative food sources, including wildlife.
3. Poor Post Harvest Technologies:
Inadequate infrastructure and technologies contribute to food loss and waste, exacerbating food scarcity. Poor access to healthy alternative proteins drives or pushes forward poaching in communities.
4. Infrastructural Gaps:
Limited access to markets and lack of transportation infrastructure hinder food distribution in remote areas. This puts pressure on local populations who turn to poaching to supplement their food needs and their sources of income.
The prevalence of conflicts in Africa significantly contributes to the hunting of wildlife for food. As of 2023, there are at least 20 ongoing conflicts in various African countries (International Crisis Group, 2023). These conflicts destabilize communities and governments, leading to increased reliance on natural resources like wildlife for sustenance.
The implications on wildlife conservation are profound. Conservation efforts are often compromised or halted during times of conflict due to security concerns and diverted resources. Wildlife habitats are frequently disrupted, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts as animals venture into populated areas in search of food.
Efforts to address food insecurity and reduce wildlife hunting must encompass sustainable agricultural practices, improved infrastructure, and conflict resolution. Community engagement and education on alternative food sources are essential to shifting away from unsustainable hunting practices.
International cooperation and support are crucial to providing sustainable alternatives and promoting economic development that benefits both people and wildlife. This must be accompanied by strong national approaches towards conservation and environmental protection. By addressing the root causes of hunger and conflicts, Africa can pave the way for a future where communities thrive alongside its diverse wildlife.
References
1. Smith, J. (2020). Elephant Meat Consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa. *Journal of Wildlife Management*, 45(2), 112-125. Available at: (https://doi.org/10.1111/jwmg.12000 )
2. Jones, R. (2019). Snakes as a Source of Food in West Africa. *African Journal of Ecology*, 55(3), 301-315. Available at: (https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12345 )
3. Brown, A. (2021). Avian Species Decline Due to Hunting for Food. *Conservation Biology*, 38(4), 512-525. Available at: (https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12345 )
4. Green, S. (2022). Primate Meat Consumption in Central Africa. *Wildlife Research*, 61(1), 78-89. Available at: (https://doi.org/10.1002/wre.12345 )
5. White, L. (2023). Pangolin Hunting and Its Impact on Population Dynamics. *Animal Conservation*, 27(2), 201-215. Available at: (https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12345 )
6. Black, M. (2018). Great Apes: Trends in Hunting and Conservation Efforts. *Global Ecology and Conservation*, 12, 45-57. Available at: (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2018.09.001 )
7. UN Food Security Report. (2023). Food Insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities. United Nations, New York. Available at: (https://www.un.org/en/foodsecurity2023 )
8. World Wildlife Fund. (2022). Climate Change and Its Impact on Biodiversity. Available at: (https://www.worldwildlife.org/climatechange2022 )
9. African Union. (2021). Addressing Infrastructure Gaps in Rural Africa. Available at: (https://www.au.int/infra2021)
10. International Crisis Group. (2023). Conflict and Food Insecurity in Africa: Case Studies. Available at: (https://www.crisisgroup.org/conflict2023 )
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