Reducing Human-Elephant Conflict in Namibia’s Highlands

Recent studies highlight the effectiveness of separate water points for elephants in Namibia’s Northern Highlands. These water points, strategically located away from villages, aim to reduce human-elephant interactions. The research, led by Michael J Wenborn from Oxford Brookes University, was published in January 2025. It puts stress on the importance of reliable water access for both elephants and local communities.

Importance of Water Points

Upgraded water points are essential for mitigating conflict. Improvements include protective walls, concrete dams, and solar pumps. These upgrades ensure a steady water supply. This reduces the likelihood of elephants damaging community infrastructure in search of water. The study analysed data from six conservancies and local ecological knowledge, revealing no long-term increase in elephant incidents at water points from 2012 to 2021.

Impact of Drought and Vegetable Gardens

The study noted a spike in conflicts during 2020 and 2021. This increase was linked to the establishment of vegetable gardens after the 2018-2019 drought. These gardens, located near villages, became hotspots for elephant activity. Communities reported more crop damage than damage to water points. However, incidents at water points have a more severe impact due to prolonged disruptions in water supply.

Government Initiatives and Solutions

The Namibian government is replacing diesel pumps with solar-powered systems. This initiative helps maintain water availability at holding dams. It reduces the chance of elephants damaging infrastructure when they find empty dams. The study found a decline in serious damage to water points, attributed to the installation of concrete dams and protective walls.

Climate Change and Future Challenges

Climate change poses threat to the stability of the Northern Highlands. Increased competition for water resources is expected. The study recommends extending water point upgrades to other areas. Building separate water dams for elephants further from villages is a proposed solution. This aligns with Namibia’s National Elephant Conservation and Management Plan.

Community Involvement and Conservation

The Community Conservation Programme has successfully engaged local communities in wildlife conservation since the 1990s. However, rising damage to vegetable gardens since 2020 threatens community support for elephant conservation. To maintain this support, pilot projects for protective measures at gardens are recommended. Continued investment in water point upgrades is also essential.

Elephant Population and Habitat

The Northern Highlands are home to the endangered African savannah elephant. These elephants inhabit mountainous areas and share resources with rural communities reliant on limited rainfall. The study indicates that most incidents occur in mountainous regions, suggesting elephants may migrate from Etosha National Park for better habitats.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the role of local communities in wildlife conservation efforts in Namibia.
2. Critically examine the impact of climate change on the ecosystems of Namibia’s Northern Highlands.
3. Explain the significance of water resource management in reducing human-wildlife conflict.
4. What are the challenges faced by rural communities in balancing agriculture and wildlife conservation? Discuss with suitable examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the role of local communities in wildlife conservation efforts in Namibia.

1. Local communities have been actively involved in the Community Conservation Programme since the 1990s.
2. The program empowers communities to manage wildlife sustainably, encouraging a sense of ownership.
3. Involvement in conservation initiatives helps reduce poaching and promotes biodiversity.
4. Community-based tourism initiatives provide economic incentives for conservation.
5. However, increasing conflicts with wildlife, especially elephants, threaten community support for these efforts.

2. Critically examine the impact of climate change on the ecosystems of Namibia’s Northern Highlands.

1. Climate change is expected to exacerbate water scarcity due to limited annual rainfall (50-200 mm).
2. Increased temperatures and erratic weather patterns affect the availability of resources for both humans and wildlife.
3. The fragile ecosystem is threatened by competition for dwindling water resources.
4. Vegetable gardens established post-drought have increased human-elephant conflicts.
5. Long-term changes could disrupt traditional livelihoods and wildlife migration patterns.

3. Explain the significance of water resource management in reducing human-wildlife conflict.

1. Reliable water access is crucial for both local communities and wildlife, particularly elephants.
2. Upgraded water points reduce the likelihood of elephants damaging community infrastructure in search of water.
3. Solar-powered systems enhance water availability, minimizing human-elephant interactions.
4. Separate water points for elephants can further mitigate conflicts at community water sources.
5. Effective management aligns with conservation goals and supports local livelihoods.

4. What are the challenges faced by rural communities in balancing agriculture and wildlife conservation? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Communities face crop damage from elephants, particularly near newly established vegetable gardens.
2. Limited resources for protective measures hinder agricultural productivity and conservation efforts.
3. Rural communities rely on agriculture for income, creating tension with wildlife conservation goals.
4. Damage to water infrastructure can disrupt water supply, affecting both agriculture and domestic use.
5. Community support for conservation dwindles when wildlife conflicts threaten livelihoods.