If bushmeat harvesting is stopped, this will have adverse effects on the people who depend on it. Most rural people depend on bushmeat for their food and livelihood. For instance, these people depend on bushmeat as their primary source of food and some for sale to get money for other purposes. Therefore, if its harvesting is stopped, these people will lack food and money for survival (Kurpiers et al. 550).
There are different ways we can de-incentivize the bushmeat trade. For instance, through campaigns, seminars, and education in schools where bushmeat trade is common. Through these campaigns, the natives can be taught about the adverse effects of bushmeat on public health and the importance of preserving wildlife. Bryce notes that bushmeat consumption is linked to the outbreak and spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases (theguardian.com).
Stopping bushmeat trade will help in wildlife conservation. In addition, it will help stop the spread of infectious diseases that come with eating bush meat.
No one has a right to change the behaviors of people because no one and nothing gives them the right. However, there are ways organizations can talk to people and discourage them from specific traditional and cultural practices.
No one has a right to discourage people from following a certain belief because he/she feels it is against his/her cultural belief. Therefore, if someone from a different culture comes up with an idea that people should stop growing corn on their lands because it is against their culture belief is very wrong. People should stop forcing their cultures on others. If their culture encouraged the growing of corn, then let them grow the corn and let the people grow what their culture demands.
Bushmeat harvesting and trade does not present a larger problem, but the system of food growth and exchange that we have does. Despite the effects of bushmeat harvesting and trade, bushmeat has always played a vital role in the rural livelihoods because these people depend on it for their food and survival. In fact, it is crucial for the vulnerable households during the economic hardships because the system of food growth and exchange does not factor such households (Nasi and Fa 3).
Works Cited
Bryce Emma. Is it time to bring back Bush meat? The Guardian. 10 Jul. 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/world-on-a-plate/2015/jul/10/is-it-time-to-bring-back-bushmeat. Accessed 19 Feb 2018.
Nasi, Robert, and Fa John E. "The Role of Bushmeat in Food Security and Nutrition." (2015): 1-11. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/John_E_Fa/publication/281407361_The_role_of_bushmeat_in_food_secuity_and_nutrition/links/55e5b11908aecb1a7cccea8c/The-role-of-bushmeat-in-food-secuity-and-nutrition.pdf
Kurpiers, Laura A., et al. "Bush meat and Emerging Infectious Diseases: Lessons from Africa." Problematic Wildlife. Springer, Cham, 2016. 507-551.
