Protected areas (PAs) have become a significant point of conflict regarding resource use because they exist in economically underdeveloped areas harboring significant biodiversity. The research evaluated how restricted access to agricultural land, grazing areas, human encounters with wildlife and household characteristics influenced conflict occurrences. The study was conducted in Makao Wildlife Management Area in four villages, Makao, Jinamo, Mwabagimu, and Sapa, employing multinomial logistic regression methods to determine the most effective conflict predictors. Data was collected using a questionnaire from 363 respondents. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to supplement data. Results demonstrate that respondents who faced restrictions on grazing and cultivation activities experience higher levels of conflict (p < 0.05), supporting Hypothesis 1. Human-wildlife conflicts resulting from crop raiding, livestock attack and human injury influenced conflict (p < 0.01), validating Hypothesis 2. Household size and WMA proximity, along with other sociodemographic factors, were significant (p < 0.05), partially supporting Hypothesis 3. The study suggests strengthening community participation in WMA decision-making, benefit-sharing and developing compensation or insurance mechanisms for wildlife damage as long-term sustainability of WMAs.