https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250302/drought-driven-human-wildlife-conflict-in-namibia-threatens-lives-and-livelihoods-1070893652.html
Drought-Driven Human-Wildlife Conflict in Namibia Threatens Lives and Livelihoods
Drought-Driven Human-Wildlife Conflict in Namibia Threatens Lives and Livelihoods
Sputnik Africa
Namibia, one of the driest countries in Southern Africa, is characterized by vast deserts, grasslands, and savannas that support a rich variety of wildlife... 02.03.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-03-02T13:16+0100
2025-03-02T13:16+0100
2025-03-02T13:40+0100
namibia
angola
zambia
southern africa
central africa
east africa
sub-saharan africa
conflict
wildlife
zimbabwe
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e9/03/02/1070895544_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_126d3447e80f14b3244ff106fddd8698.jpg
A worsening drought in Namibia is intensifying competition for scarce resources, leading to an increase in human-wildlife conflict, according to a parliamentary report released on Friday.The report highlighted outdated policies as a contributing factor to the growing crisis in rural areas.Attacks by elephants, lions, and crocodiles have surged, resulting in more human fatalities, extensive crop damage, and significant livestock losses. The report, prepared by the legislature’s standing committee on natural resources, warned that neighboring countries such as Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe are facing similar challenges.Many farmers have voiced frustration over the government's compensation program, which they argue fails to adequately cover losses. Families of crocodile attack victims have particularly struggled, with some receiving no compensation due to the inability to recover the remains of their loved ones.Some communities have resorted to killing problem animals without waiting for official intervention. The report cautioned that without effective intervention, the escalating conflict could undermine Namibia’s tourism sector and tarnish its image as a top wildlife destination.The parliamentary committee has called for urgent reforms, including revising conservation policies, expanding compensation programs, and considering the relocation or culling of problematic animals. Other recommendations include the construction of electrified fences to prevent wildlife encroachment and the drilling of additional boreholes to improve water access.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240829/namibia-to-slaughter-over-300-zebras-83-elephants-to-feed-those-suffering-from-drought-1068056218.html
namibia
angola
zambia
southern africa
central africa
east africa
zimbabwe
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
2025
Christina Glazkova
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/0b/07/1063380906_0:0:673:674_100x100_80_0_0_79628b4d0cd9f29291a57aa13bbf9e7a.jpg
Christina Glazkova
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/0b/07/1063380906_0:0:673:674_100x100_80_0_0_79628b4d0cd9f29291a57aa13bbf9e7a.jpg
News
en_EN
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Christina Glazkova
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/0b/07/1063380906_0:0:673:674_100x100_80_0_0_79628b4d0cd9f29291a57aa13bbf9e7a.jpg
namibia, angola, zambia, southern africa, central africa, east africa, conflict, wildlife, zimbabwe, animals, lion
namibia, angola, zambia, southern africa, central africa, east africa, conflict, wildlife, zimbabwe, animals, lion
Drought-Driven Human-Wildlife Conflict in Namibia Threatens Lives and Livelihoods
13:16 02.03.2025 (Updated: 13:40 02.03.2025) Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
Namibia, one of the driest countries in Southern Africa, is characterized by vast deserts, grasslands, and savannas that support a rich variety of wildlife. Large portions of the country are designated as protected areas, including the renowned Etosha National Park and multiple community conservancies where humans and wildlife coexist.
A worsening
drought in Namibia is intensifying competition for scarce resources, leading to an increase in human-wildlife conflict, according to a parliamentary report
released on Friday.
The report highlighted outdated policies as a contributing factor to the growing crisis in rural areas.
Attacks by elephants,
lions, and crocodiles have surged, resulting in more human fatalities, extensive crop damage, and significant livestock losses. The report, prepared by the legislature’s standing committee on natural resources, warned that neighboring countries such as Angola,
Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe are facing similar challenges.
“Wildlife is one of the remaining assets of the natural world with considerable potential to benefit rural communities,” it noted. “However, one of the greatest threats to this wildlife arises from human-wildlife conflict.”
Many
farmers have voiced frustration over the government's compensation program, which they argue fails to adequately cover losses. Families of crocodile attack victims have particularly struggled, with some receiving no compensation due to the inability to recover the remains of their loved ones.
Some communities have resorted to killing problem animals without waiting for official intervention. The report cautioned that without effective intervention, the escalating conflict could undermine Namibia’s tourism sector and tarnish its image as a top wildlife destination.
The parliamentary committee has called for urgent reforms, including revising conservation policies, expanding compensation programs, and considering the relocation or culling of problematic animals. Other recommendations include the construction of electrified fences to prevent wildlife encroachment and the drilling of additional boreholes to improve water access.
