Living together: Elephants and People around Kafue NP
 
We all know that the earth’s human population is growing rapidly; but did you know that in countries such as Zambia population growth rates are even higher around protected areas such as Kafue National Park?
 
This has resulted in a growing conservation issue known as human wildlife conflict (HWC). Game Rangers International are focussing on providing solutions to local communities living close to Kafue NP, to help them live safely in an area which is also home to an important wild elephant population.
 
Local farmers face the threat of damage to crops and other property due to passing elephants. The wild elephant population is also threatened with retaliatory “control” when conflict incidents do occur.
 
In July, GRI’s Community Outreach Project Manager, Britius Munkombwe travelled to South Luangwa thanks to Proflight Zambia who kindly sponsored all travel and accommodation costs. He spent 10 days with South Luangwa Conservation Society’s successful HWC solution project and the Awely Red Caps.
 
Britius learnt about HWC data collection as well as solutions which include growing chillies to make crop-protection fences and growing alternative crops amongst many other innovative ideas. Thanks to all of the organisations involved in supporting this visit. Britius is now working with local community leaders to ascertain the most appropriate solutions to trial.