David Manoa, Pride of Amboseli Manager

Manoa was awarded a PhD in Biodiversity & Natural Resources Management by the University of Nairobi, for his thesis entitled “A Comparative Analysis of Opportunity, Transaction and Health Costs of Human-Wildlife Conflict in Amboseli and Mount Kenya Ecosystems”. His award comes at a time when large areas of Kenya are experiencing persistent and severe droughts and human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is skyrocketing. Tackling this issue requires innovative mitigation strategies to safeguard wildlife, people and their livelihoods.

Manoa’s achievements have given him a deep understanding of the complexity of the issues, allowing him to explore and implement innovative strategies to deal with the ever-emerging wildlife conservation challenges in Kenya, especially HWC.

His study revolved around human-wildlife conflict, with special focus on hidden costs of HWC (e.g., the psychological costs including anxiety and fear, or money and time spent guarding against wildlife). The hidden costs are not recognised in Kenya’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (WCMA) 2013 and there is limited research to inform policy decisions. Yet, the damages from hidden costs can be equal to or surpass the direct costs.

Manoa, who is passionate about working with the communities, highlights the shortcoming of the current approach to the wildlife conservation in Kenya and suggest strategies to enhance harmony between people and wildlife. His study is important to wildlife practitioners and policy makers in reviewing the wildlife management and conservation policy on how best to deal with the ever-increasing issue of HWC, compensation claims and shortage of funds.