Medium term impacts of alternative livelihoods on unsustainable use of wildmeat in Yangambi (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Wildmeat is an important source of animal protein and micronutrients for many low-income households. Hunting and trading wildmeat are the main livelihood activities for around 850 people across the Yangambi landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Hunting in this region has been associated with loss of larger target species and a shift towards ‘post depletion’ animal communities characterized by smaller resilient species. Sustainable wildlife use in the region is likely to require a reduction in hunting pressure. This paper describes an ongoing livelihood diversification project focused on livestock husbandry and cultivation of cash crops. It assesses the impacts of these potential alternatives on household income and as substitutes for the unsustainable use of wildmeat around Yangambi. The results show that pig breeding may have the most potential for providing a reliable protein source, increasing income and providing an alternative to wildmeat hunting. A quarter of the hunters engaged in the project no longer rely on hunting for their primary income, while a third of wildmeat traders no longer focus on selling as their main activity. This outcome suggests that benefits for wildlife conservation can be generated when suitable alternative livelihoods are available.