Living with Giants: Community Perceptions of Elephants in the Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examined community perceptions of elephants and elephant conservation in villages adjacent to Nyerere National Park in Tanzania, focusing on how human-elephant interactions shape these perceptions. A qualitative research design was adopted, using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observation conducted in 2025 in Kisaki and Mngazi villages. Thematic analysis was used to interpret participants' lived experiences and the meanings attached to elephants and conservation. The findings show mixed perceptions, where some community members view elephants as an important economic asset linked to tourism and national revenue. At the same time, the majority perceive them as a threat due to recurrent crop raiding, livelihood losses, and risks to human safety. These negative experiences significantly shape attitudes toward elephant conservation, leading some participants to feel fear and resistance. Perceptions are influenced by direct exposure to conflict, livelihood dependence, and experiences of institutional response. The study is limited by its qualitative design and focus on two villages, which may limit generalisability to other contexts. However, the findings highlight the need for conservation authorities to strengthen human-elephant conflict mitigation strategies, improve benefit-sharing mechanisms, and integrate community experiences into conservation planning to promote coexistence.