A Systematic Literature Review on the Human-Wildlife Conflict in Agricultural Area

Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) poses growing challenges in agricultural regions, impacting livelihoods, biodiversity, and human safety. This systematic literature review examines the escalating conflicts between human activities and wildlife in agricultural landscapes, aiming to identify and analyze the types, causes, and impacts of these conflicts. A thorough search of peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2023 was conducted, including only studies with robust methodologies and significant sample sizes. The thematic analysis identified four major conflict types: crop damage (reported in over 70% of studies), livestock predation (45%), threats to human safety (30%), and property damage (25%). These conflicts were found to be most prevalent in regions where agricultural expansion encroaches on natural habitats. The review highlights the novelty of integrating global perspectives on HWC, offering comprehensive insights that bridge gaps in regional studies. Its findings provide actionable insights for local communities to develop coexistence strategies, inform policy-makers in designing effective wildlife management policies, and advance scientific understanding of HWC dynamics. Limitations include potential bias in published studies and variability in conflict documentation. Future research should aim to standardize conflict reporting and expand investigations to underrepresented regions. Developing integrated strategies that align agricultural productivity with biodiversity conservation is essential for sustainably addressing HWC.