50 Hectares of Farmland Secured, 72 Families Empowered
Our human-wildlife conflict (HWC) team recently completed a 9-day operation to construct a solar-powered electric fence in Chanculo, Moamba. This project, which now protects 50 hectares of farmland and benefits 72 families, is a key part of our "Protected Farming Communities" initiative.
This initiative is designed to protect crops from wildlife damage, particularly in areas identified as HWC hotspots. Our approach involves forming agricultural associations with at least 20 families, who contribute modest monthly fees to sustain communal resources like water pumps. This promotes self-sufficiency and creates secure farming communities, enhancing food security and facilitating discussions on conservation, civil issues, and community health.
Chanculo, located 64 km from Maputo, with an additional 28 km off-road from Moamba, is a community nourished by the Incomati River and bordered by the Ressano Garcia border. This area has faced significant challenges due to frequent visits from elephants, leading to substantial crop damage. The locals recount stories of the abundant production they once had before elephants began to frequent the area, causing such devastation that the entire agricultural association eventually gave up farming in the region.
The area is characterized by diverse soil types, including iron-rich red soil, ideal for cultivating maize, potatoes, okra, cassava, peanuts, and more.
This project also shifts the community's perception of wildlife, encouraging them to see elephants and other animals as agents for positive transformation.
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