Knowledge, Attitudes and, Mitigation Practices of Farmers on Emergency Preparedness of Human-Elephant Conflict in Lahugala PHI Area 

By Dr.Charith Indika Jayasinghe

 

ABSTRACT 

Introduction:Lahugala is situated in Ampara district and marginalised tosouth-east coast of  srilanka.The aim of this study is to assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and, Mitigation Practices  of Farmers on Emergency Preparedness of Human-Elephant Conflict in Lahugala PHI Area. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and mitigation practices of farmers on  emergency preparedness of human-elephant conflict in Lahugala PHI area Specific  Objectives To assess the knowledge of farmers in the Lahugala PHI area on emergency  preparedness for human-elephant conflict To assess the attitudes of farmers in the Lahugala  PHI area on emergency preparedness for human-elephant conflict To assess the mitigation  practices of farmers in the Lahugala PHI area on emergency preparedness for human elephant conflict 

Methods:A community based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among  farmers in Lahugala PHI division. A structured pre-tested interviewer-administrative  questionnaire was used to collect data. A descriptive method of statistical analysis was  undertaken in presenting the findings in relation to the specified objectives. Results: A total of 178 respondents participated for the study.Out of the total respondents,  90.4% (n=161) were males. The highest number of participants was the 35-50 age category,  41.6%(n=74).There were 44.9%(n=80) participants who have passed O/L as their educational  qualification, and 11.2%(n=20) are only went up to grade 5.Most of the participants have  stayed in their current residences for >10 years, 95.5% (n=170). The forest can be reached  less than one-hour duration from their residence and crops in all respondents.The most raided  crop by elephants was paddy, 97.8%(n=174) and 1.7%(n=3) stated that Bada irignu is also  raided by elephants.Out of responders, 49.4%(n=88) think that human-elephant conflict  caused by activities of humans and 24.2%(n=43) believe that conflict is caused by natural  reasons.Out of responders, 46.0% (n=82) mentioned they would carry the patient and run to  the hospital. About 29.0% (n=52) mentioned they would look for airway and breathing.Out  of responders, those in the age group 20-35 years, 60.0%(n=30) thought that deterrents are  more effective to minimise the conflict; the percentage was similar in other age groups.  However, the results were not statistically significant.Most professional farmers are in the  view of power fence (50%, n =36) is 3 equally effective as deterrents (47.5%, n=34). Among  the farmers employed in the government sector, 71.0% (n=66) thought deterrents are more  effective. However, the results were not statistically significant 

Conclusion and recommendations: With regards to the knowledge of the farmers, most of 

the farmers (97.8%) knew the type and time of elephant raided crops. With regards to the  time period of crop damage, property damage and human casualties, it was well known that  they have been occurring throughout the year (85.4%,72.5% and 75.8%, respectively). The  majority (89.3%) of the farmers were having an attitude that humans and elephants should  co-exist. Most professional farmers are in the view of power fence (50%) is equally effective  as deterrents (47.5%). Among the farmers who are employed in the government sector,  71.0% thought deterrents are more effective. However, the results were not statistically  significant.Most of the farmers (60.7%) in the Lahugala PHI area think that deterrents will  reduce the human-elephant conflict to some extent. In our study, 37.1% of farmers believed  that a power fence would lessen the conflict. Out of responders, those in the age group 20-35  years, 60.0% thought that deterrents are more effective to minimise the conflict; the  percentage was similar in other age groupsFarmers should be given capacity building  program for basic life support skills. Knowledge and training should be provided on airway  and breathing before transport patients to the hospitals.