The recent study led by Michael J Wenborn from Oxford Brookes University brings attention to an innovative approach in reducing human-elephant conflict in Namibia’s Northern Highlands, focusing on upgrading water points and creating separate water sources for elephants. Published in the Journal of Environment & Development on January 7, 2025, the research highlights critical findings that could shape future conservation strategies.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment)
Insights and Findings:
Water Point Upgrades to Reduce Conflict:
- Upgrading water points with solar-powered pumps, protective walls, and concrete dams has proven effective in minimizing human-elephant conflicts. By ensuring that both humans and elephants have reliable access to water, the risk of elephants damaging infrastructure or crops is reduced.
- The study emphasizes the need for consistent water availability, highlighting that upgraded water systems have lowered the frequency of elephants searching for water near human settlements.
Human-Elephant Conflict Data:
- From 2012 to 2021, the study observed no significant long-term increase in human-elephant conflicts at water points. However, a noticeable spike occurred in 2020-2021, linked to the establishment of vegetable gardens following the drought of 2018-2019. These gardens, often located near villages, became new hotspots for elephant activity, leading to increased crop damage.
- Despite this, damage to water points, such as pipes and tanks, remains a significant issue. Damage to infrastructure disrupts water supply to entire villages, causing lasting logistical challenges in remote areas.
Challenges of Repair and Maintenance:
- The destruction of water infrastructure often leads to prolonged periods without reliable water, impacting both communities and wildlife. Repairing these systems is costly and difficult, particularly in rural, remote areas.
Role of Solar-powered Water Systems:
- The transition from diesel-powered pumps to solar-powered systems, supported by the Namibian government, has had a significant positive impact. Solar-powered systems have ensured consistent water availability, mitigating the likelihood of elephants damaging infrastructure in search of water.
Separate Water Dams for Elephants:
- A proposed solution that has garnered attention is the construction of separate water dams for elephants, located away from villages. This approach, in alignment with Namibia’s National Elephant Conservation and Management Plan, could further reduce human-elephant conflict by creating designated spaces for elephants to drink without coming into close contact with human settlements.
Impact on Local Communities:
- The researchers found that human-elephant incidents at water points often have a more severe impact on the communities involved, particularly due to the disruption of water supply systems. While the damage caused by elephants to vegetable gardens is a growing concern, it is the damage to water infrastructure that can have long-term consequences.
Challenges from Climate Change:
- The Northern Highlands of Namibia are expected to face increasing competition for water resources due to climate change. The region’s reliance on limited rainfall, coupled with the potential reduction in water availability, makes it crucial to upgrade and expand water points to prevent escalating human-wildlife conflicts.
Community Conservation Efforts:
- The study praises the success of Namibia’s Community Conservation Programme, which has fostered positive community involvement in wildlife conservation since the 1990s. However, increasing damage to vegetable gardens and other crops threatens to undermine local support for elephant conservation efforts.
Recommendations for Future Conservation:
Pilot Projects:
- The study advocates for pilot projects to test protective measures for vegetable gardens, such as fencing or deterrents, to prevent further damage by elephants. These measures could help balance wildlife conservation with the livelihood needs of local farmers.
Expansion of Water Point Upgrades:
- To ensure the sustainability of water systems, the study stresses the need for further upgrades to existing water points across the region. This would help ensure reliable access to water for both elephants and humans, reducing conflicts and safeguarding vital resources for both parties.
Community Support and Education:
- Ongoing education and engagement with local communities are necessary to maintain support for conservation programs. Addressing the economic challenges faced by farmers and helping them manage human-wildlife conflict is crucial for the success of Namibia’s conservation efforts.
Conclusion:
The study underscores that, while upgrading water points has led to a reduction in human-elephant conflict in Namibia’s Northern Highlands, there is a need for continued investment in water infrastructure, alongside the development of separate water sources for elephants.
