CHIMPANZEE INVASION: MANYU RESIDENTS SHARE EXPERIENCES

The Meg Wah (My Earth) team investigated a critical issue affecting the communities along the Tinto-Ngasang route in Manyu Division, South West Region of Cameroon. In December 2024, our team surveyed to assess the impact of chimpanzee invasion on the local population and in March, we completed the data analysis. The survey revealed that the denizens in the said communities have been experiencing encounters with chimpanzees, which have been invading their communities. The residents shared their experiences, highlighting the challenges and dangers posed by these primates. The majority of the respondents attributed the chimpanzees’ presence to habitat destruction. The conflict has affected the community with respondents reporting that chimpanzees have caused problems. From the findings, there is a need for conservation strategies to ensure community safety.