Human-Wildlife Conflict: Majete Wildlife Reserve Elephants Receive Food To Reduce Encroachment In Malawi

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

In an effort to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, 34 elephants at the Majete Wildlife Reserve in Chikwawa have been provided with supplementary food to reduce their encroachment into nearby communities.

According to Brighton Kumchedwa, the reserve’s manager, the initiative aims to protect both humans and wildlife, particularly elephants that are prone to raiding crops.

Kumchedwa explained that the elephants tend to venture out of the reserve in search of food, especially during times of drought or when their natural habitats are degraded.

He said by providing them with supplementary food, the reserve hopes to reduce the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict.

However, Kumchedwa noted that the long-term solution lies in creating corridors to connect isolated wildlife habitats, allowing animals to migrate safely without encroaching on human settlements.

Patricio Ndadzera, the country director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare in Malawi and Zambia, echoed Kumchedwa’s sentiments, stating that providing supplementary food to wildlife is a temporary solution to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.