The role of non-residents in the process of changing residentsʼ mindsets about agricultural damage caused by wildlife

In order to implement effective countermeasures against agricultural damage caused by wildlife, which has become a social issue around the world, fostering the active participation of local residents and gaining the understanding of those who do not have a direct interest in the issue are important factors. In this study, quantitative text analysis of weekly activity reports by non-residents and interviews to residents were conducted to clarify the influence of non-residents on the mindsets of residents in an area of Osaka where agricultural damage caused by Japanese macaques is occurring. Although residents' mindsets were highly dependent on the assistance from the local government in the initial phase of this study, their self-reliance and mutual-assistance mindsets were gradually strengthened through the implementation of measures in cooperation with non-residents. This study shows the process of changing the mindset of residents through the participation of people who are not involved in animal damage countermeasures. In particular, the study suggests that incomplete planning by non-specialists may increase the active participation of residents.