The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Human-Snake Conflicts in Ogun State, Nigeria

Babajide Rinoye Odebiyi; Rilwan Oluyinka Adewale; Shafiu Kilishi Halidu; David Olayinka Oyeleye; Priscilla Osayuware Osaguona; Oluwakayode Peter Oluwasanya

Babajide Rinoye Odebiyi Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yewa Campus, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Rilwan Oluyinka Adewale Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yewa Campus, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Shafiu Kilishi Halidu Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger state, Nigeria
David Olayinka Oyeleye Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger state, Nigeria
Priscilla Osayuware Osaguona Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger state, Nigeria
Oluwakayode Peter Oluwasanya Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflicts are interactions between man and wild animals that yield negative impact on each other. Increase in human population with a consequential expansion of human settlements into wild animals’ habitats has brought man into close interaction with wild animals. Such interactions sometimes end up in conflicts, especially when one considers the other as a threat to life or survival. Farmers often come into contact with snakes during the process of land clearing in preparation for cultivation of crops and even up to harvesting season. This study assessed the influence of indigenous knowledge on the conflict between farmers and snakes in Ogun state, Nigeria. Two agricultural zones were purposively sampled and structured questionnaire administered (n=125) to farmers to elicit information on their demographic characteristics and experiences with snakes on their farms. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse data on demographic characteristics and experiences with snakes. Association between incidence of snake bite and farmers’ support for snake conservation was tested with chi-square. There were more male farmers (68%). Farmers’ major religions were Islam (53.6%) and Christianity (44.8%). Most of the farmers killed snakes when encountered. Few farmers (25.6%) had snake bite incidence while majority (74.4%) declined support for snake conservation. There was a significant association between snake bite incidence and support for snake conservation (X²=29.768, df=1, P<0.05). Farmers’ indigenous knowledge contributed to the minimal account of human snake conflict while their perceived value of snake was self-limiting and could cause a spike in human-snake conflict.

Keywords: Conflict, Conservation, Indigenous Knowledge, Snake Bite, Nigeria