An evaluation of crop damage done by wild animals in Meegahahena grama niladari division

Abstract

Introduction

Quantifying crop damage has a fundamental role in determining loss yet does not provide a complete or accurate representation of the impact of crop damage by animals on affected communities (Webber and Hill, 2014). Although there are various programmes to increase local food production such as ‘Waga lanka waga sangramaya’, it is necessary to take immediate action to save crops from the threats of wild animals. Some reports reveal that nearly one third of crops is eaten or destroyed by animals. Although this has become a national issue, sadly there have not been many studies on this issue to identify the gravity of the issue and to come up with possible solutions. Nonetheless this issue is now being discussed at national level on various platforms and the necessity to carrying out a study on this has been identified. Meegahena North Grama Niladari division is one such Division in Galagedara Divisional Secretariat area which has been subjected to threats of wild animals on crops for the last decade or so, and is selected for this study.