Niyingenera Alfred
Communities living around Nyungwe National Park rely heavily on farming, and even small losses to wildlife can threaten their livelihoods. In Banda and Rutiritiri villages, local residents have increasingly reported chimpanzees entering their fields, especially during certain seasons. Although this rise in incursions has not yet been documented scientifically, community testimonies and the recent killing of two chimpanzees outside the park show that tensions are growing and require urgent attention. Nyungwe National Park itself remains well protected, but the landscape outside its boundary is changing, and these changes may be influencing how chimpanzees move.
This project seeks to understand why chimpanzees leave the park and forage in nearby farms. By working closely with farmers, village leaders, and park staff, the study will examine the ecological and seasonal factors behind these interactions. This includes looking at land-use changes outside the park, the presence of fruiting trees such as Myrianthus holstii and Ficus species near farms, and the timing of crop ripening. Understanding these drivers will help clarify whether natural food availability, seasonal patterns, or human activities outside the park are influencing chimpanzee behaviour.
The research will combine surveys, interviews, field observations, camera traps, and GIS mapping to build a clear picture of when, where, and why chimpanzees enter farmlands. This will be the first evidence-based assessment of human–chimpanzee conflict in these two villages, providing reliable information that can support both conservation planning and local decision-making.
Another important aim of the project is to involve communities directly in finding solutions. Through workshops, dialogue sessions, and feedback meetings, farmers and other community members will have the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute ideas for practical, long-term mitigation strategies. These may include land-use planning, early-warning practices, or better management of fruiting trees near farms.
The project will also map small forest patches and natural pathways that chimpanzees may use when moving outside the park. These spatial insights will help conservation partners understand how the wider landscape supports or encourages chimpanzee movement.
Ultimately, this project aims to support peaceful coexistence between people and chimpanzees by generating useful data, strengthening community awareness, and guiding realistic, evidence-based solutions that protect both livelihoods and wildlife.