An Innovative Approach to Human-Elephant Conflict
The fourth phase of the experimental fields project used a chili-pepper based approach of passive and active control measures, which was pioneered by Dr Loki Osborn in Zimbabwe. One experimental field was marked out and a combination of different passive and active measures were installed. A control field was also implemented which had no barriers installed and represented the 'traditional' approach to cultivation in the region.
Passive controls consist simply of different barriers, while cultivated chili pepper plants were transplanted into the experimental field to form a 5m buffer zone inside the fencing. Finally, all fences are surrounded by a 5m cleared buffer zone between the exterior of the fields and the forest edge. Active measures, used in combination with barriers, are intended to actively chase elephants away from the fields. Chili peppers cultivated from the experimental field barrier are harvested, dried and used to make chili pepper bricks. The bricks are prepared from dried pepper mixed with elephant dung, and are burnt around the fields in the buffer zone to actively chase away crop-raiding elephants.
Manioc was planted in all fields. Data collection sheets monitored the extent of damage to manioc by elephants, and the effects of the different deterrents. Final evaluation of the experimental approach is based upon economic factors (i.e. cost of implementing the project) balanced with improved livelihoods (i.e. income generated from manioc harvest). The project was implemented by an NNNP socio-economic researcher together with a student from the University of Brazzaville.