This research examined the multidimensional relationship between the subjective quality of life, conservation attitudes, and livelihood vulnerability of communities surrounding the Kilimanjaro Mountain National Parks and Biosphere Reserve in Tanzania. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey in four villages bordering the Kilimanjaro National Park and analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling. The results show that conservation attitudes increase and there are different levels of household livelihood vulnerability as the quality of life improves, indicating a positive relationship between the subjective quality of life and conservation attitude. People with higher livelihood vulnerability show a substantial increase in conservation attitudes as their quality of life improves. People with medium livelihood vulnerability show weaker but still positive relations between quality of life and conservation attitudes. However, when the livelihood vulnerability is lowest, the conservation attitudes change the least with improved quality of life. Furthermore, livelihood-vulnerable people tend to be more supportive of conservation than those with lower livelihood vulnerability, and this difference increases as the quality of life increases, indicating the significance of the quality of life in predicting conservation attitudes in highly vulnerable groups. These results are essential for managers and development practitioners, who focus on achieving win–win scenarios between conservation and development to enhance people’s overall quality of life rather than concentrating on reducing vulnerabilities.

Illegal access of resources within protected areas to meet basic needs plays a significant role in the interaction between individuals, protected areas, and neighboring communities in Africa. However, our understanding of how household livelihoods are linked to this type of illegal access at a household level is limited. Additionally, research on poaching tends to focus on commercial poaching and wildlife trafficking. This study addresses this gap by examining the complex relationship between three types of livelihood security (i.e., food security, financial security, and educational security) and the likelihood of participating in illegal activities in communities surrounding Tanzania’s Mkomazi National Park. To gather data, we surveyed 267 heads of household in 8 villages that were randomly selected out of the 22 villages that border Mkomazi National Park. Structural modeling analysis was used to analyze the data. Our findings indicate that food security is the primary driver of engagement in illegal activities within the park; education security and financial security have limited influence on the likelihood of subsistence poaching when accounting for food security. Interestingly, we observed a correlation between financial security and increased illegal grazing, which can be attributed to individuals with greater financial means purchasing more cattle and thereby increasing the demand for fodder. Addressing food security should be prioritized in efforts to mitigate subsistence poaching within protected areas. Our research highlights the importance of developing sustainable alternatives to ensure food security and meet other essential needs in communities adjacent to Mkomazi National Park. By striking a balance between improving livelihoods and fostering conservation efforts, conservation and development organizations can work towards a sustainable future for both protected areas and people.

In sub-Saharan Africa, protected areas are located in close proximity to communities, leading to frequent negative encounters between humans and wildlife. This is coupled with increased pressure from communities seeking park resources to support their livelihoods. To address this, land use plans have been designed around protected areas. For example, in Kenya, wildlife conservancies have been created out of private and community lands. The aim of these conservancies is to contribute to improved livelihoods, reduce human–wildlife conflicts, and increase support for conservation. However, limited research exists on how the conservancies have achieved their aims among local communities. This study focuses on the Maasai Mara region in Kenya and examines how livelihoods and human–wildlife conflicts influence support for conservation among conservancy members. Data were gathered from 411 households adjacent to the reserve through a survey conducted in June and July 2024. The findings indicate a high incidence of human–wildlife conflict and improved security in health and education only. Despite this, there is high satisfaction with the conservancy model and strong support for conservation. Although these findings highlight the significance of conservancies in mitigating human–wildlife conflict, enhancing livelihoods, and garnering conservation support, more attention is needed for food and financial security.

This study investigates how tourism enterprises in Maasai Mara participate in social initiatives and how local Indigenous communities perceive these efforts. It draws on the corporate social advocacy (CSA) framework, focusing on four justice and equity informed dimensions: accountability, transparency, impact, and sustainability (long-term perspective). Interviews were conducted with both stakeholder groups. The results show that while some dimensions of corporate advocacy were emphasized, others were less prioritized. Regarding accountability, the businesses were involved in several initiatives that the community recognized for their positive impact. However, the community expressed concern about the lack of transparency regarding the selection of initiatives. Furthermore, while the initiatives were praised, they were often inconsistent, unmeasured, and short-term. Drawing on CSA and further promoting values aligned with justice and equity, which are essential for sustainability, this study suggests that interviewed businesses adopt community-informed, long-term, and measurable outcomes focused on community well-being while also considering profitability.