The Role of Emotions and Power in Shaping Human-Elephant Coexistence in Sagalla, Kenya

Dr. Maureen Kinyanjui

University of Edinburgh

Abstract

Studies on human-wildlife coexistence often focus on the cognitive aspects of emotions, examining the attitudes and values that shape community behaviour toward coexistence. However, the role of conservation actors and the power dynamics inherent in their relationships with communities - whose behaviour they seek to influence - remains underexplored. This talk examines the intersection of emotions and power in human-elephant coexistence, drawing on a case study from Sagalla, Kenya. By analyzing community interactions with both elephants and conservation actors, I explore how emotional responses shape relationships and inform coping mechanisms, which in turn influence the effectiveness of coexistence efforts and broader societal outcomes. These findings highlight the political dimensions of emotions, revealing how power struggles impact conservation outcomes and why purely technical solutions often fall short. The talk will present key findings from my PhD research and propose pathways for future research and practice that adopt a relational understanding of emotions in conservation.