Conditions of conflict: Exploring pastoralist resettlement in relation to African lion conservation

The resettlement of pastoralists across Tanzania has been driven by socio-economic development goals and resource scarcity, as well as conservation agendas. Lion conflict with pastoralists has been reported in different parts of Tanzania, yet the impacts of pastoralist resettlement on lion conservation have not been well documented in Tanzania. We explore how resettlement experienced by pastoralists has affected pastoralist-lion relations and conservation efforts in the Ruaha landscape. We learned that despite efforts by the Ruaha Carnivore Project to provide pastoralist benefits, ongoing lion conflicts and lion killing was reported. We also learned that pastoralists experience conflict with crop farmers over resource access and use (i.e., pasture, water), biased treatment from government officials, and lack of meaningful participation in decision-making processes. We discuss how resettlement to a landscape known for lion conservation has affected conflict and conservation outcomes, and offer suggestions for future effective and equitable action.