Human–elephant coexistence in Africa has become an urgent conservation and social challenge. As human populations grow and more land is converted for agriculture, communities and elephant ranges increasingly overlap often with devastating consequences. Crops are trampled or eaten, people are injured, and frustrated farmers sometimes retaliate, killing elephants in the process.
Recognizing that short-term fixes won’t suffice, conservation institutions, governments, and NGOs are championing inclusive, long-term strategies. True success depends on addressing people’s needs such as food security, livelihoods, safety—while protecting elephant populations. That means blending rigorous scientific research with traditional knowledge, backed by sustained funding and collaborative action across borders and stakeholder groups.
With support from the Danish Zoological Society (DZS), a consortium of three NGOs—Tanzania Research and Conservation Organization (TRCO), Peace for Conservation (PfC), and Ecoexist (Botswana), joined forces to exchange strategies, build capacity, and foster knowledge sharing. The goal was to empower communities and institutions to live alongside elephants with minimal conflict.
The Three-Day Workshop
7–9 May 2025, Bunda District, Mara Region, Tanzania. The participants are;
- Government agencies: Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA), Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), District Game Officers
- NGOs: Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP), Grumeti Fund, Maji safi and Karagwe Green Fingers Society
- Community representatives from known human–elephant conflict hotspots
Day 1: Sharing Knowledge & Setting Priorities
The workshop opened with participants sharing first-hand experiences managing human–elephant conflict (HEC). Lessons came not only from Tanzania but also from Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where Ecoexist has pioneered deterrent methods. Together, attendees Exchanged case studies to deepen understanding of coexistence challenges. Explored community engagement, brainstorming livelihood projects like beekeeping or elephant-friendly agriculture that both reduce conflict and bolster incomes.
Day 2: Conservation through Football
In the afternoon, the participants participated in Football Bonanza, organized by Peace for Conservation (PfC), brought villagers and youth teams together on the pitch. Soccer became a creative educational outreach tool, sparking conversations about elephant behavior, conflict prevention, and the value of wildlife conservation.
Bunda Girls and Lamadi Girls football teams pose for a group photo before their match at Kijereshi Game Reserve, Tanzania. Photo credit; Hillary Mrosso
Day 3: Field Visits at Grumeti Fund
The final day saw the group travel to the Grumeti Fund’s RISE Research Centre near the Serengeti. There, the participants visited and learn from the established electrified fence designed to deter crop-raiding elephants, and toured community conservation projects in adjacent village lands. Grumeti Fund’s hands-on research illustrated how well-maintained fences, combined with community outreach programs dramatically reduce HEC incidents.
This collaborative initiative led by TRCO, alongside Peace for Conservation, Ecoexist, and supported by the Danish Zoological Society, demonstrates the urgent need and clear potential for fostering sustainable human-elephant coexistence in Tanzania. By combining local knowledge, participatory planning, cross-border learning, and practical solutions like land-use planning, livelihood diversification, and awareness campaigns, the project strengthens community resilience and biodiversity conservation. However, lasting impact requires expanded collaboration. We warmly invite additional partners—government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, donors, and private sector actors—to join TRCO in scaling up efforts, sharing expertise, and co-developing innovative strategies to protect elephants and secure the well-being of the rural communities living alongside them. Together, we can build a future where people and elephants not only coexist, but thrive.