Socioeconomic Drivers of Poaching and Community-Based Strategies for Sustainable Livelihoods Around the Dja Landscape in Cameroon

Poaching remains a major threat to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development across tropical forest landscapes, including the Dja Biosphere Reserve in Cameroon, one of Central Africa’s most ecologically significant protected areas. Despite decades of conservation initiatives and legal frameworks, illegal hunting continues to undermine wildlife populations and ecosystem stability. This persistent challenge is largely driven by intertwined socioeconomic factors that reflect the livelihoods and daily realities of local communities who depend heavily on forest resources. This study therefore investigates the socioeconomic drivers of poaching and explores community-based strategies for fostering sustainable livelihoods around the Dja Landscape. The research was conducted in three key communities (Lomié, Somalomo, and Meyomessala), located along the periphery of the Dja Reserve. A mixed-methods approach was used to ensure both quantitative rigor and qualitative depth. Structured surveys were administered to 120 respondents (40 per community), all of whom were active or former hunters. In addition, 30 key informant interviews (10 in each community) were conducted with traditional leaders, local administrators, and conservation officers, complemented by 9 focus group discussions (3 per community) involving diverse community members, including women and youth. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis to identify core socioeconomic patterns and perceptions related to poaching. Findings reveal that poverty, unemployment, and limited livelihood opportunities are the most significant drivers of poaching, compounded by strong market demand for bushmeat and weak enforcement of conservation regulations. Cultural traditions, coupled with chronic food insecurity, further reinforce dependence on wildlife resources. Nevertheless, most respondents expressed genuine willingness to adopt sustainable alternatives such as agroforestry, small livestock farming, ecotourism, and commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), provided that adequate training, financing, and institutional support are available. The study concludes that combating poaching in the Dja landscape requires a multidimensional and participatory approach that integrates poverty alleviation, livelihood diversification, environmental education, and stronger governance mechanisms. It recommends enhancing community engagement and building inclusive conservation partnerships to ensure long-term biodiversity protection and improved human well-being.