Influence of the Red-Billed Quelea Bird on Rice Farming in the Kisumu, Kenya Region

The current impacts of quelea birds on East Africa can be seen through the negative economic impact on local rice farmers. This study investigates both current and potential solutions to the quelea bird issues through discussion and field experiments. From discussions, farmers expressed that current solutions are not adequate to overcome this issue and other solutions need to be explored. Field experiments conducted in Kisumu, Kenya studied the effects of the current solutions and an acoustic solution on quelea behavior. Despite the huge economic impact of queleas in the area and the failings of current solutions, there is still potential for a better solution. While not a perfect system, the experimental data shows that acoustic solutions have a place in combating the quelea bird threat through a 50% reduction in bird landings on crops. This study not only highlights the urgent need for improved solutions, but also emphasizes the potential use of acoustics to address the quelea birds, with hopes to help inform and guide future research, funding, and policy decisions.