Abstract Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) conservation reports have been characterized by prevalence of human–wildlife conflicts to such large extents. This subject is receiving increasing attention from conservation biologists, as well as contributing to poverty levels of rural communities in West Africa. In this study we assessed hippo-human relationship and resultant impact on the livelihoods of rural communities in Dadin Kowa, Nigeria and Wechaiu in Ghana. We used informal and formal town hall meetings involving stakeholders: Fishermen; Farmers; Miyetti Allah -Herder’s Association; Wildlife and Forestry Ministry officials; Project Manager of Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority and his team; and JAVS Environmental Care Ltd’; to gain a clear understanding of causes of the conflicts in Dadin Kowa, Nigeria. We used round table discussion involving adults male and female in two rural communities to gather information in Wechaiu, Ghana. The findings suggest there is high prevalence of human–wildlife conflict in Nigeria. The case in Ghana is of human – wildlife co-existence and economic empowerment as a result of advanced community conservation initiatives. Lessons learned from Ghana and the model used can be adopted to tackle the conflicts in Nigeria, and improve rural community livelihoods through education, skill acquisition and capacity building.