In Africa, the human- livestock – wildlife interface occurs at two very distinct socio-economic levels.  At the commercial level, the consumer is a high income farmer, tourist or hunter, whose funds provide income for commercial interests and also, often, wildlife conservation and job creation. At the other end of the spectrum are subsistence farmers whose livestock or crops can be damaged by wildlife and who often covet the grazing and water resources allocated to wildlife for communal livestock.

While state veterinary services  and animal welfare organizations frequently assist the rural poor with improved breeds, animal feed, stock remedies, and advice on disease control and improved production, they often overlook the human-animal interactions that promote human wellbeing. Animal welfare is inextricably linked to human wellbeing in rural communities.