Evangelista Vambe
Human-wildlife conflict is a pressing issue in Zimbabwe, especially in rural areas where wildlife and communities coexist. The conflict arises mainly from the destruction of crops and property by wildlife, particularly elephants. This issue has resulted in food insecurity, poverty, and loss of livelihoods for rural communities. The cross-cutting issues of poverty, gender inequality, and climate change exacerbate the situation, with women and marginalized groups being disproportionately affected. Despite efforts by the government and NGOs to mitigate the conflict, the problem persists, and innovative solutions are needed.
This project aims to reduce human-elephant conflicts by implementing sustainable, non-lethal deterrents, such as chilli bombs, to protect crops from elephant encroachment. It will provide training to local farmers on using these deterrents effectively, and the growing of chillies enhances food security while conserving elephant populations. Alongside practical interventions, the project will promote community awareness, support local livelihoods, and conduct ongoing research and monitoring to evaluate effectiveness. This approach not only protects biodiversity but also improves economic stability for rural communities, fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. This initiative will be the start of preserving the elephant population.