NEW STRATEGY BY TAWA SHOWS SUCCESS IN MITIGATING HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT

A new approach by the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with elephants, is already showing promising results in the Same and Mwanga districts of Kilimanjaro Region. Local residents have acknowledged the positive impact this initiative has had on their safety and livelihoods.

Speaking to various media outlets during TAWA’s visit to Same and Mwanga on October 31, 2024, residents expressed their gratitude to TAWA for the education, unity, and support provided to help them address the challenges posed by elephants. 

They noted that these efforts have enabled them to protect their lives, property, and harvests from the damage caused by wildlife.

"We are working closely with TAWA, and the guidance they provide on handling elephants is very helpful," said Karanga Mhina, a resident of Kitamri Village in Same District’s Stesheni Ward. "These elephants are a challenge, but with cooperation, we can manage them."

Mhina added, "We are very thankful to TAWA for teaching us how to drive away the elephants. In the past, we wouldn’t farm because of this threat, but now we can farm and harvest, thanks to the equipment they provided, like non-lethal bombs to scare them off."

Yohana Mgalula, a TAWA Conservation Officer from the Ruvu Same station, explained that given the scale of the problem, TAWA, in collaboration with NGOs, devised a strategy to engage local communities in creating crop protection groups. These groups have proven highly effective.

"After forming these groups, TAWA trained them on how to protect themselves from potential wildlife dangers and repel animals when they encroach upon homes or farms," said Mgalula. 

"We provided tools such as vuvuzelas, whistles, and high-intensity flashlights, enabling these community groups to successfully manage the situation, reducing the need for TAWA rangers by over 90%."

TAWA’s Public Relations Officer, Beatus Maganja, commended the community for collaborating with the government in addressing the problem of dangerous wildlife. He emphasized TAWA’s commitment to increasing educational efforts and providing tools that will help residents manage wildlife more effectively.

"TAWA will intensify its efforts to educate residents in areas facing challenges with dangerous wildlife. We are dedicated to this task to ensure that communities remain safe," said Maganja.