The study will be conducted in Arusha National Park, in the Arumeru District of the Arusha Region. The study focuses on three villages adjacent to a park for analysis: Ilkrimun and Olkun’gwado from Ngarenanyuki ward and Kilinga from Songoro ward. Ilkrimun was chosen due to its socioeconomic context involving agriculture, livestock, and tourism, which allows for evaluating the impacts of protected areas policies on local livelihoods. Olkug’wado village is selected for its proximity to the park and ethnic diversity. In contrast, Kilinga village is chosen for its wildlife richness and potential human-wildlife conflicts, both aiding in assessing livelihood implications related to protected areas policies. Arusha National Park (ANAPA) is purposely selected as the study area for the following two primary reasons: firstly, numerous studies have been conducted in ANAPA over 30 years; however, there is inadequate information regarding the livelihood implications of protected areas on local communities, indicating a critical gap in understanding how these conservation efforts affect those who live nearby. Secondly, in recent years, the park has faced distinct challenges related to conservation and human-wildlife conflict, such as land use changes due to wildlife migratory corridor’s blockage and encroachment, which led to the loss of livelihood of the people; these threats are now pronounced (Mtenga, 2023; Sanare et al., 2023). Therefore, an investigation into how the livelihood of the local people has been impacted is necessary for ANAPA.

Arusha National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, attracting both tourists and researchers. However, governing policies have predominantly prioritized conservation efforts as a major goal over the needs of local communities; this has led to restrictions that limit local people’s access to vital resources, such as land for agriculture, subsistence resources, and materials for construction, to mention some. These restrictions have led to diminished economic opportunities, exacerbated poverty levels, and social discontent among communities historically relying on these resources for their sustenance and well-being. Despite the intention of conservation efforts to protect biodiversity and promote ecological integrity, the lack of equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms has exacerbated tensions between park authorities and local residents. This study aims to critically evaluate how these policies affect the livelihoods of surrounding communities, exploring both the direct impacts on resource access and the broader socio-economic consequences. This research will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of sustainable conservation practices that balance ecological goals with human welfare by identifying gaps in policy implementation and community engagement.

The general objective of this study is to assess the implications of protected area policies on livelihoods in order to strike a balance between conservation and the livelihood of surrounding communities.