Grootberg farmers urge government to tackle human-wildlife conflict - nbc

Описание: Farmers in the Grootberg area have called on the government to urgently intervene and relocate elephants and lions, saying the escalating human-wildlife conflict is threatening both lives and livelihoods.

Makalani Farm, situated a few kilometers outside Erwee in the Kunene Region, is among the agricultural properties affected.

The farm, like many others in the area, is primarily used for livestock farming and subsistence activities, supporting families and contributing to the local economy.

Hilde !Aibes who has been living at Makalani since the 1970s, pointed out that the elephants have been destroying grazing land, damaging water infrastructure, crops and fencing, and posing a serious threat to livestock.

“We are afraid that one day the elephants will kill us, so please help us remove them from us. The headers are also afraid of the elephants, and they leave the goats and run when they see them.”

Last week at the Bersianer Farm in the same vicinity, a lion killed a bull.

Community members further alleged that an elephant killed three people and a lion another person in the area, intensifying fear among them.

A resident, Maite !Aibes said although they would like to establish household gardens to improve food security, it has become nearly impossible due to the frequent movement of elephants.

“Environment officials should stand up for us and remove their wild animals. We are afraid of planting because it's really of no help. We cannot have the fruits and vegetables that the doctors are recommending us to eat."