Getachew Mulualem, Mebrahtom Mesfin and Nibret Alene

Transcription

1 International Journal of Genetics 7(1): 01-12, 2017 ISSN IDOSI Publications, 2017 DOI: /idosi.ijg Connective Links of Local Residents and Illicit Animal Genetic Resource Trafficking in Villages Proximal to Custom Checkpoints of Western Tigray, Norwestern Eiopia Getachew Mulualem, Mebrahtom Mesfin and Nibret Alene 1 Animal Biodiversity Case Team, Mekelle Biodiversity Center, Eiopian Biodiversity Institute, Mekelle, Eiopia 2 Crop and Horticulture Case Team, Mekelle Biodiversity Center, Eiopian Biodiversity Institute, Mekelle, Eiopia 3 Department of Statistics, College of Natural & Computational Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Eiopia Abstract: Illicit animal genetic resource trafficking is a transit crime at has wide ranging implication for biodiversity conservation, national security and economic wellbeing of a given state. The study was carried out from February -April, 2017 wi e aim to assess e connective links of local residents and illicit animal genetic resource trafficking in villages proximal to border checkpoints of western Tigray. The data were collected by preparing bo open and close-ended questionnaire for interviews. The sampling frame was designed taking individual custom village interface as a cluster and hence cluster sampling was used. Final sampling units from each cluster were taken using systematic sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to understand e connective links of border point local residents and illicit animal genetic resource trafficking. About (62.5%) of e local residents responded at, ey know about e potentials of animal genetic resources of economic importance in e locality. They also noted at, e western part of Tigray has potential animal genetic resources subjected to smuggling.the majority (91.3%) of e local residents noted at, ere is no involvementof e local residents in subsistence based illicit trafficking. However, ere is an intense commercial trafficking of animal genetic resources by local business groups to adjacent neighboring states. All (100%) of e local residents noted at, smugglers make use of e illicit exit routes taking advantage of e local unemployed yous. About (60%) of e local residents noted at, porous border security is e enabling condition to make use of e illicit exit routes by smugglers. As well, smugglers are cheating e local residents to lodge in border point villages of western Tigray. The majority (95%) of e local residents responded at, illicit animal genetic resource trafficking is a serious happening. The smuggling practices of animal genetic resource are directed by middle organized businessmen s of e neighboring towns. As well, (95.7%) of e local residents reported at, ere is no local market for legal commercial exchange of animal genetic resources. Thus, establishment of alocal market and devising border point you development packages should be a future concern so as to halt e underlying challenges of illicit animal genetic resource trafficking practices in custom village interfaces of western Tigray, norwestern Eiopia. Key words: Social network Exit Smuggling Lugdi Biogenetic INTRODUCTION Eiopia is endowed wi varied ecological and vastly spanning potential bio genetic resources [1]. The country is known as one of e twelve primary centers for e origin and diversity of plant genetic resources in e world and is also rich in fauna diversity [2]. Biodiversity plays vital and diverse roles in economic, ecological and social fabrics of e country [2]. The national economy and e livelihoods of its local community are strongly Corresponding Auor: Nibret Alene, Department of Statistics, College of Natural & Computational Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Eiopia. nibreta@gmail.com. 1

2 reliant on biodiversity and its ecosystem services [3]. supply chain, is carried out by individuals; opportunistic However, newly occurring man-made and natural factors locals who try to supplement eir income and have been experiencing an array of serious environmental professional trappers [8]. Wildlife crimes typically occur challenges at are eventually leading to e loss of in remote rural regions characterized by low population biodiversity and ecosystem services [2]. Animal genetic density and diverse geographical features [17]. These resource trafficking is one of e emerging conservation factors make it difficult for law enforcement agents to challenges leading e bio-capitals to be unsustainably solve e crimes and bring e executors of ese offenses exploited by illegal individuals and groups [4]. Wildlife to justice [18]. Alough wildlife conservation laws and trade is any sale or exchange of wild animal and plant regulations provide a variety of enforcement mechanisms resources by people [5]. This can involve live animals and to curb e illicit wildlife trade, enforcement mechanisms plants or a diverse range of products needed or prized by pose a huge challenge [19]. Inadequate financial, human humans, including skins, medicinal ingredients, timber, resources and lack of institutional capacity are barriers to fish and oer food products [5]. Global trade in illegal enforcing ese wildlife laws [20]. wildlife is potentially vast illicit economy, estimated to be Poor detection of transboundary good by border wor billions of dollars each year, impeding international custom checkpoint plays a key role in facilitating e efforts to conserve rare and endangered animals and illicit trade of wildlife [20]. Markets for protected plants, plants [6]. Owing is, most plants and animals are animals and animal materials includes Belgium, China, e trafficked from developing countries to e western world Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, [7, 8]. Globally, e recent illicit trade in wildlife is Neerlands, Romania, Spain, e United Kingdom and estimated to be wor US$ billion per year [9]. Vietnam [19]. Wiout e commitment of e local Animal genetic resource trafficking is a transit crime at community, customs agents and enforcement bodies in has wide-ranging implications for society [10]. Not only ese countries and in e countries from which trafficking does it severely affect e environment by impacting originates e illegal trade in endangered species will biodiversity, it also hampers social and economic continue [20]. The great concern of wildlife trafficking in development in many communities [7, 11]. Furermore, Africa is loss of security, revenue from tourism, which wildlife trafficking represents an increasing reat to creates jobs and contributes resources for national national and global security [5] being run by development [21]. All e while, some species are pressed sophisticated crime groups who use e profits for towards extinction at 1000 times e natural rate [22]. terrorism and rebel uprising [5, 8]. Wildlife trafficking is The fight against trans-boundary conservation crime linked to oer serious crimes such as drug trafficking, received a boost at e G8 meeting held from 17 to 18 June arms trafficking, human smuggling and document 2013 at Lough Erne [23]. counterfeiting [12]. Moreover, it is cited as a means to G8 leaders recognized e need to tackle criminal finance e most violent and destructive activities of trafficking and strengen border security, including in criminal and terrorist organizations because of e major relation to e illicit trafficking of bio genetic resources, financial benefits derived from a relatively minimal time noting e links to governance, e rule of law and investment, low risks of detection and lack of serious sources of funding for terrorists [24]. Eiopia has a punishment [13]. The huge profits made from e illicit relatively short history of dealing wi wildlife wildlife trade act as incentives to organized crime conservation crimes [25]. However, ere are prominent, networks [14]. There is also growing evidence at, non- encouraging efforts to reduce illegal trade of wildlife by compliant or militia groups in Africa use profits from e signing an international conservation and law illegal sales of wildlife to fund terrorist activities [15]. enforcement conventions. Nevereless, Eiopia is The demand for wildlife products is considerably identified bo as a source and a key trade hub for illegal influenced by culture and depends on different consumer ivory trafficking [25]. Eiopia has signed e CITES groups [8]. Zimmerman [16] has identified ree main which prohibits illegal wildlife trade [23]. types of criminals involved in wildlife trafficking: local According to criminal justice programs and wildlife farmers trying to supplement eir incomes, mafia-style charities, a kilogram of ivory poached from elephants can groups operating in developing countries and be sold in Asia for around USD 850 ( 650) [23]. However, international smuggling networked groups. Researches e problem is still persisting wi a local residents revealed at, most wildlife genetic resource trafficking, interface along border custom checkpoint village particularly wi regards to e initial part of e market interfaces and unknown exit routes of western Tigray. 2

3 Thus, ere is a need to research e connective links Target Population: The target population of is study between illicit animal genetic resource trafficking and local was local residents of e ree custom checkpoint village residents in custom checkpoint village interfaces of interfaces of western Tigray. Based on e information western Tigray, norwestern Eiopia. obtained from e Eiopian Biodiversity Institute genetic control staff deployed in western Tigray, ere are 14 MATERIALS AND METHODS proximal local residentsin Lugdi where as Dima custom checkpoint has 27 proximal local residents and e Description of e Study Area: The study was conducted numbers of local residentsof Bereketcustom checkpoint in ree custom checkpoints proximal to village interfaces are 22. Therefore, ere area total of 23 proximal local of western Tigray, norwestern Eiopia. The surveyed residents working on e selected border custom sites are located at 1383 km norwest of Addis Ababa, checkpoint village interfaces of western Tigray, e capital city of Eiopia and 600 km from Mekelle, e norwestern Eiopia. capital city of Tigray national regional state. Geographically, it is located between and Meods of Data Collection: The researchers use primary N and and E. Western Tigray has ree data for e study. The data were collected by preparing Eiopian custom and revenue auority border bo open and close-ended questionnaires for interview. checkpoints administered under Humera custom branch Researchers, wi continuous supervision, were office. Ludgi is situated at e junction of Eio-Sudan contacted each and every respondent face- to- face to get stretched along e highway of Dansha-Abdrafi- questionnaire filled. Furermore, e consent of illicit Maycadran ending in Humera. This is one of e animal genetic resource trafficking for proximal local transboundary transit hubs for a large volume of animal residents was confirmed being fully informed of e study genetic resource heads crossing e border trade objectives prior to e interview. In order to avoid activities. Bereket is found in Kafta Humera Werda, 14 km communication discrepancies between e data collectors away from May kadra. Moreover, Bereket is and e respondents, e questionnaires were translated predominantly described as a kola (Lowland) agro-climatic to e language spoken in e custom village interfaces of zone. Dima is one of e custom checkpoints located in western Tigray. western zone Kafta Humera woreda. Based on e figures from e central statistical agency in 2005, e site has an Variables of e Study: The response variable of e estimated total population of 902, of which 498 are men study was connective links of border point proximal local and 404 are women [26]. Its agro-climatic zone is identified residents and illicit animal genetic resource trafficking in as qolla wi an inclination to semi-arid. It is bordered by custom checkpoint village interfaces, information on exit Eritrea in e nor, in e western Sudan. Wiin Tigray routesand observation of e local residents settling it is positioned in e woreda of Kafta-Humera and adjacent to e border point. The explanatory Tahtay-Adiabo [27]. Altitude ranges from 568 to 1861 variables/factors at were used as being factors in e meter above sea level. The dry season occurs during e practice of illicit animal genetic resource trafficking of e mons of October to May and e wet season June to selected local residents in e custom checkpoint village September. It has unimodal rainfall pattern which 80 to interfaces were: 85% of e rain falling during e wet season [28]. Annual rainfall is and mm for e lowland and Age Sex Distance Workload highland areas of e district, respectively. The mean Attitude Income Training Unemployment annual temperature of e area is 25 C to 27 C in e Knowledge Experience Mobility Literacy lowlands and 20 C to 25 C in e highlands. The study Household size Location Housing No. of staff sites are found wiin e lowland part (Kola) of e district and share e mean annual rainfall and mean Sampling Design: The sampling procedure was designed annual temperature recorded to e lowland areas. The to collect primary data. The norwestern part of Eiopia people of e study area practice mixed farming systems does have ree custom checkpoint village interfaces, so as means of livelihood. Livestock are e valuable e data were collected taking individual custom components of e farming system contributing checkpoint village interfaces as a cluster and hence enormously towards ensuring food security in e study cluster sampling was used. After determining e total area [28]. sample size (n), proportional allocation to each cluster 3

4 Fig. 1: Map of e study area (Custom checkpoint village interfaces of western Tigray) (i.e. Custom checkpoint village interface) was done by Lugdi (N 1=14) Dima custom checkpoint village furer considering e amount of proximal local residents interface (N 2= 27) Bereket custom checkpoint village on illicit animal genetic resource trafficking from each interfaces (N 3=22) custom checkpoint village interfaces. Final sampling units The proportional allocation size was computed as from each cluster were taken using systematic sampling. follows: In a systematic sampling we decide e sample size n from a population size of N. In is case, e population has to N1 N2 N3 n1 = n, n2 = n and n3 = n be organized in some way, such at we choose a starting N N N point along e sequence n1= (23) 5 n2 = (23) 10 n3 = (23) 8 The total sample size (n=23 local residents) was proportionally allocated to each border custom checkpoint village interfaces using e formula [29]. The sample size taken from e local residents was 5, 10 and 8 for Lugdi, Dima and Bereket custom checkpoint N n 1 1 = n 1 = 1, 2,3 N village interfaces respectively. where: Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed rough N 1: Total number of local residents in l custom SPSS version The study uses descriptive meods to checkpoint village interfaces, l= 1, 2, 3 understand e nature of e data for illicit animal genetic N: Total population of local residents on illicit animal resource trafficking practices. Inferential meods for genetic resource trafficking in norwestern checkpoint detail analysis of e variables were also used. village interfaces. n 1: Total sample size taken from l checkpoint village RESULTS AND DISCUSSION interfaces n: Total sample size determined from a custom checkpoint Socio-Demographic Characteristics of e Local village interfaces of norwestern Eiopia Residents in Custom Checkpoint Village Interfaces of Western Tigray: The mean age of e interviewed local The ree individual clusters (i.e. Custom checkpoint residents is 53.31, 36.3, 43.3 in Bereket, Dima and Lugdi village interfaces) for e sample sizes of residents was: custom checkpoint village interfaces respectively (Fig. 2). 4

5 Fig. 2: Age of local residents proximal to custom checkpoint village interfaces of western Tigray Table 1: Educational background of e local residents in custom checkpoint village interfaces of western Tigray No. Variables Categories Bereket (n=8) Dima (n=10) Lugdi (n=5) Total (n=23) 1. Educational Background Illiterate rd Around (37.5%) of e interviewed local residents has population in Tigray is higher an oer livestock an illiterate educational background in Bereket custom species. Among e cattle breeds, Begait cattle breed is village interface. As well, (40%) of e interviewed local known for its high milk yield and is mainly found in e residents in Dima village are grade 8. On e oer hand, western lowlands of Tigray, western Eiopia [28]. This about (40%) of e local residents in Lugdi custom village is also consistent wi what has been previously interfaces are illiterate. Despite e illiteracy level e local reported [28], Tigray is one of e regional states of residents are aware of illicit animal genetic resource Eiopia where livestock production has been an trafficking of economic and conservation importance. important component of e livelihoods of smallholder This probably reflects at, regardless of eir farming communities. educational background ey are alert about e potential Almost half (56%) of e local residents responded animal genetic resource of economic importance found in at, ere are site specific potentials of animal genetic eir local environment. resource in e current network of custom checkpoint village interfaces. Almost a majority (76.3%) of e local Knowledge of e Local Residents on Illicit Animal residents responded at, ere is illicit animal genetic Genetic Resource Trafficking in Custom Checkpoint resource trafficking practices which didn t accorded Village Interfaces of Western Tigray: Almost half of priority status in custom checkpoint village interfaces of (62.5%) e local residents of Bereket responded at, e western Tigray. local residents are cognizant about e potential animal genetic resources of e custom village interfaces. Social Network Interfaces of Illicit Animal Genetic All (100%) of Lugdi local residents responded at, Resource Trafficking in Custom Checkpoint Village ey are informed of animal genetic resources of Interface of Western Tigray: The majority (91.3%) of e economic importance found wiin e catchment local residents responded at, e local residents didn t (Table 2). This is consistent wi what has been take part in illicit animal genetic resources trafficking. previously reported in western Tigray, e cattle The majority of e local residents responded at, e 5

6 Table 2: Knowledge of e local residents on illicit animal genetic resource in custom checkpoint village interface of western Tigray No. Questions Categories Bereket (n=8) Dima (n=10) Lugdi (n=5) Total (n=23) 1. Do you know about animal genetic resources found in e Yes custom village interfaces of e locality? No Is ere a site specific potential of animal genetic resource in Yes e custom village interface of e locality? No Are eir practices of illicit animal genetic resource trafficking Yes in e custom village interfaces of e locality? No Table 3: Social network interfaces of illicit animal genetic resource trafficking in custom checkpoint village interface of Western Tigray No. Questions Categories Bereket (n=8) Dima (n=10) Lugdi (n=5) Total (n=23) 1. Is eir involvement of e local residents in illicit animal Yes genetic resource trafficking in custom village interfaces of e locality? No If your answer to question No1 is Yes which groups of e local Unemployed residents are involved in illicit animal genetic resource trafficking? yous oers Is ere a practice of illicit animal genetic resource trafficking for Yes subsistence purpose? No Is ere a practice of illicit animal genetic resource trafficking for Yes commercial purpose? No Is ere a local market for e exchange of animal genetic resources in Yes e custom village interface? No Is ere a link between trafficking wildlife and eno zoological medicinal Yes practices of neighboring states? No What are e terminal destinations of animals genetic resources Sudan trafficked rough e custom village interface of e locality? Eritrea local society does not take part in illicit animal genetic animal genetic resources in neighboring states. As well, resources trafficking. This could be associated wi e e finding of e present study is in line wi e result social links of e custom checkpoint proximal household reported [30] who reported at, e population size of and e existing animal husbandry based livelihood Begait cattle breed is reducing significantly and it is at a approaches. This could also be allied wi what has been higher risk of extinction due to animal smuggling in e reported [28], which noted at livestock are e valuable custom checkpoint village interfaces. components of e farming system contributing The majority (82.6%) of e local residents responded enormously towards ensuring food security in e at, ere is no local market for e commerce of animal survyed sites. The majority (73.9%) of e local residents genetic resources of e small holder farmers. This could responded at, ere is no illicit animal genetic resource probably reflect e absence of a market chain of e trafficking for subsistence purposes. The finding of e abundantly found local animal genetic resources. present study is consistent wi what have been reported Almost all (95.7%) of e local residents responded [28] in western Tigray. Livestock and crop production at, ere is no interconnection between e local plays an important role in improving e livelihood of residents and illicit wildlife genetic resource trafficking farmers in e survyed area [28]. Hence, subsistence alongside e eno zoological medicinal practices of trafficking is not an issue of concern owing to e its neighboring states. All (100%) of e local residents tense social network wiin e network of e custom responded at, Sudan is e bounding destination for checkpoint village interfaces of western Tigray. Almost illicit animals genetic resources trafficking wiin e half (60.9%) of e local residents responded at, ere extended network of villages proximal to border are certain commercial practices of illicit animal genetic checkpoints of western Tigray. This could be associated trafficking in e custom village interfaces of western wi e porous border security and mix of e physical Tigray (Table 3). This could be associated wi e geography of e neighboring Sudan wi local porous border security and e lofty market demand of agricultural investment groups of Eiopia. 6

7 Table 4: Exit point of illicit animal genetic resources trafficking in custom checkpoint village interfaces of western Tigray No. Questions Categories Bereket (n=8) Dima (n=10) Lugdi (n=5) Total (n=23) 1. Is eir cross border trafficking of animal genetic resources via Yes exit routes adjacent to e custom village interfaces? No Who is accessing e hidden exit routes for illicit animal Individuals coming genetic resource trafficking? from adjacent villages Organized local business groups Smugglers paid local yous 3. What are e likely enabling conditions to make use of e High demand of e hidden exit routes adjacent to e custom interface villages? animals from destination consumers Poor border point security Less emphasis on legal & regional auorities on animal trafficking 4. Is ere a lodging service for illicit animal genetic Yes resource traffickers in e custom village interfaces before No ey leave to e bordering states? Exit Points of Illicit Animal Genetic Resource depart to bordering states. On e oer hand, All (100%) Trafficking in Custom Checkpoint Village Interfaces of of Dima and Lugdi local residents responded at, illicit Western Tigray: All (100%) of e local residents animal genetic resource traffickers lodge in e custom responded at, ere is a cross border illicit animal checkpoint adjacent villages before ey head off to e genetic resources trafficking via e illicit exit routes neighboring states. This could be related wi lack of adjacent to border point villages. Almost half (47.8%) of awareness among e local residents towards e e local residents responded at, unemployed and smugglers of animal genetic resources. smugglers paid local yous are smuggling animal genetic resources rough e illicit exit routes (Table 4). This The Key Actor Involved in Illicit Animal Genetic could be associated wi e weak law enforcement and Resource Trafficking in Custom Village Interfaces of less integration of border point enforcement groups Western Tigray: All (100%) of e local residents working wiin e catchment and oer parallel agents. responded at, ere are key actor implicated in illicit Almost half of e local resident noted at, unemployed animal genetic resources trafficking wiin e custom and smugglers paid local yous were engaged in illicit villages interfaces. Almost half (43%) of e local animal genetic resource trafficking. This might be related residents responded at, middle organized to e absence of border point you development businessmen s are e key actors involved in illicit animal package and alternative livelihood approaches. genetic resource trafficking. Similar studies carried out in About (60.9%) of e local residents responded at, Borena zone, souern Eiopia has noted at, porous border point security is e likely enabling businessmen s are e key actors involved in illicit condition to make use of e exit routes neighboring e trafficking of animal genetic resources [31]. They also custom village interfaces of western Tigray. This could be noted at, it is attributed by e weak enforcement of allied wi e absence of sufficient patrolling human legal frameworks and gaps related to knowledge, attitude resources in e extended physical geography of custom and practice of e merchants to bo contributors and village interfaces of western Tigray. All (100%) of e receiver countries of genetic resources [31]. Furermore, local residents in Bereket responded at, illicit animal is could be connected wi lack of integrated security genetic resource traffickers are deceiving local residents units to address e underlying problem of illicit animal to lodge in e custom village interfaces before ey genetic resources trafficking. 7

8 Table 5: Key actors involved in illicit animal genetic resource trafficking in custom check point village interfaces of western Tigray No. Questions Categories Bereket (n=8) Dima (n=10) Lugdi (n=5) Total (n=23) 1. Are eir key actors involved in illicit Yes animal genetic resource trafficking in No custom checkpoint village interfaces? 2. If your answer to question number 1 is Local business mans Yes who are e key actors involved in Middle organized business groups illicit animal genetic resource trafficking? Unemployed yous How serious is illicit animal genetic resource It was happening antiquity trafficking in e custom checkpoint but not knows village interfaces? Wildlife genetic resource trafficking is not a serious issue 4. What motivates traffickers to take on e It is a primary source of income exchange of illicit animal genetic resource Pressure from neighboring states trafficking wi neighboring states? Lack of awareness about animal genetic resources Way in to life changing money The majority (95.7%) of e local residents seasons were by animals of trafficking importance are responded at, e extent of illicit animal genetic abundantly found. resource trafficking is serious wiin e current network of custom village interfaces of western Tigray Community Interfaces of Illicit Animal Genetic (Table 5). Almost half (47.8%) of e local residents Resource Trafficking in Custom Village Interfaces of responded at, e illicit traffickers of animal genetic Western Tigray: About (69.6%) of e local residents resource are motivated to take on smuggling wi responded at, Eiopian community members living neighboring Sudan. This could be associated wi e adjacent to border point villages are taking part in animal number of porous border security and tooless law genetic resource smuggling to e black market of coupled wi weak law enforcement efforts in e locality. neighboring states (Table 7). This could be associated Inline to e finding of e current study [31] has noted wi lack of effective law enforcement practices and porous border security wiin e current network of at, e degree and trend of bio-genetic resource custom village interfaces of western Tigray. All (100%) of trafficking in souern Eiopia is sharply increasing at an e local residents responded at, ere are individuals or alarming rate. groups involved in illicit animal genetic resources trafficking rough e border point custom checkpoint interfaces of western Tigray. This could be coupled wi Market Accessibility of Illicit Animal Genetic Resource Trafficking in Custom Village Interfaces of Western Tigray: The majority (95.7%) of e local residents responded at, ere is no a common local market for e exchange of illicit animal genetic resources for eno zoological practices wi neighboring states (Table 6). This might be linked wi e absence of border point eno zoological practices wi neighboring states. On e oer hand, (69.6%) of e local residents responded at, smugglers bring e animal genetic resources of trafficking importance from proximal local markets (Table 6). Almost half (43%) of e local residents responded at, smugglers potentially access e exit routes in e less emphasis given by e local government and pertinent sectors to local livelihood development mechanisms. Moreover, e majority (87%) of e local residents responded at, e key actor involved in illicit animal genetic resources trafficking are businessmen s coming from various parts of e Eiopian national regional states. [31] has also reported at, transboundary travelers and business groups are e key actors involved in illicit animal genetic resource trafficking practices. Moreover, is probably reflects at, e missing links in e internal smuggling corridors connected to e border point village interfaces of western Tigray. 8

9 Table 6: Market accessibility of illicit animal genetic resources trafficking in custom village interfaces of western Tigray No. Questions Categories Bereket (n=8) Dima (n=10) Lugdi (n=5) Total (n=23) 1. Is ere a common hidden local market for Yes e exchange of illicit animal genetic No resource of medicinal importance? 2. From where did traffickers bring e animal From proximal local Market genetic resource for illicit trafficking purpose? From community based forest area and local resource From nesting sites and adjacent villages From back yard suitable as a nesting sites 3. From where did traffickers bring e animal From proximal local Market genetic resource for e illicit From community based forest area trafficking purpose? and local resource From nesting sites and adjacent villages From back yard suitable as a nesting sites 4. When did smugglers illicitly access e Market accessibility animal genetic resource of Seasons were by animals are trafficking importance? abundantly found Oers Table 7: Community interfaces of illicit animal genetic resources trafficking in custom village interfaces of western Tigray No. Questions Categories Bereket (n=8) Dima (n=10) Lugdi (n=5) Total (n=23) 1. Which community members of e border Eiopia point villages take part in smuggling Sudan animal genetic resources? 2. Are eir individuals or groups involved in Yes illicit animal genetic resource trafficking No rough e custom checkpoint village interfaces? 3. If your answer to question number 2 is Local traders of animal Yes who are e key actors involved in genetic resource illicit animal genetic resource trafficking? Traders coming from center of e state Groups established to engage in exchange of animal genetic resource 4. Are ere problems happening to adjacent Yes local community due to illicit animal No genetic resource smuggling crimes in e custom village interfaces? CONCLUSIONS The study revealed at, illicit animal genetic resource smugglers are taking advantage of e unemployment status of e local yous. Illicit animal genetic resource trafficking is not an issue of subsistence practices. Moreover, There is no local market for legal exchange of animal genetic resource wiin e network of custom village interfaces of western Tigray. The local residents noted at, Sudan is e terminal point for e illicitly trafficked animal genetic resources of conservation and economic importance. The local residents noted at, ere are illicit exit routes of animal genetic resource wiin e current physical geography of western Tigray. The largest extent of illicit animal genetic resource trafficking is headed by unemployed paid local yous rough e hidden exit routes. Furermore, The porous border security is linked as e likely enabling condition for illicit 9

10 animal genetic resource trafficking. The local residents Middle organized businessmen s are e key actors noted at, e smugglers of animals are deceiving e involved in illicit animal genetic resource trafficking. local residents so as to receive lodging service around e Thus, local market networking wi e catchment area of e custom village interfaces. Similarly, businessmen s in a manner which heads to e larger The local residents noted at, middle organized segment of e national market should be devised as businessmen are e key actor involved in illicit animal a focus of logical intervention approaches. genetic resource trafficking. Besides, e degree of illicit The patrolling efforts should be aligned wi market animal genetic resource trafficking is seriously happening. seasonality of e smuggling practices of illicit As well, e traffickers carry out e smuggling practices traffickers wiin e current network of e custom seasonally were by animals are abundantly found in e village interfaces. As well, tackling of poachers of catchment area. Moreover, e cross border illicit animal animal genetic resources should target e market genetic resource trafficking is undertaken by e seasonality of e area by e local enforcement Eiopian community settling adjacent custom groups. checkpoint villages an neighboring states. The The local residents noted at, improving e smugglers are groups or individuals coming from e livelihood of e adjacent villagers should lessen center of e Eiopia national regional states. Thus, smugglers perception to pay local unemployed strengening e patrolling efforts and integrating yous for illicit animal genetic resource trafficking. community based management approaches is vital to Thus, livelihood and illicit animal trafficking should address e scale of e conservation crimes. be regionally and nationally emphasized along e logical intervention approaches. Recommendations: Make strong Economic policies at encourage young people to embark on a modest business in There are commercial lines of illicit animal genetic order to bring down e rate of you unemployment resource trafficking. Hence, in an effort to reduce e Support village level association to strengen you scale of e circumstances ere is a need to create a participation in village level saving and loan networked local market suplying e national market associations which contribute to you s chance to demand of animal resources. engage in self-employment economic activity. Local markets of animals should be established to Designate more custom checkpoints which monitor avoid e networked smuggling lines which adversely illegal animal genetic resource trafficking. affect e economic wellbeing of e small holder Promote as appropriate domestic, regional and farmers. international exchange of experiences The local residents noted at, ere are illicit exit routes of animal genetic resource trafficking. Thus, a ACKNOWLEDGMENTS satellite checkpoint wi a scheduled patrolling effort of e proximal society should be devised in e We would like to extend our heartfelt anks to e vulnerable areas of illicit animal genetic resource Eiopian Biodiversity Institute, Mekelle biodiversity trafficking. center for e logistic support of e field work. We also Unemployed and smugglers paid local yous are ank e local residents of Dima, Lugdi and Bereket engaged in illicit animal genetic resource trafficking. custom checkpoint village interfaces for eir hospitality Thus, border point local yous development during e interview. We extend our anks to e package should be devised so as to reduce e anonymous reviewers of e manuscript. involvement of e unemployed local yous. The local residents responded at, e porous border REFERENCES security is e enabling condition to make use of e illicit exit routes. Hence, strengening e patrolling 1. Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Eiopia: human resource wi a restructured and integrated ird country report on e state of plant genetic community effort should be done so as to come up resources for food and agriculture. Country Report, wi e solutions to effectively manage e pp: underlying animal genetic resource conservation 2. Eiopian Biodiversity Institute, Eiopia s crime operating in custom village interfaces of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, western Tigray. 2020, pp:

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