Smallholder farmers’ knowledge and perceptions towards elephants and the restraining poliwire fences in Mambova wildlife corridor, southern Zambia

Abstract

Human-elephant conflict (HEC) poses a major challenge for communities living within large transboundary corridors, affecting livelihoods and personal safety. Elephant-restraining solar-electric poliwire fences were implemented as HEC mitigation from 2017 to 2022 for 17 mixed-produce multi-farmer gardens in Mambova farming community in southern Zambia. To assess the knowledge and perceptions of farmers towards elephants and the newly established solar-electric poliwire fences, we conducted 60 semi-structured interviews (22 females, 38 males) with farmers from both fenced and unfenced gardens. The study found that community perceptions varied, and elephants and hippos caused significant crop damage to unfenced vegetable gardens, particularly during the dry season (95–96.3% of incidents occurring between July and November). Farmers reported elephants mainly damaged their gardens at night (21:00–03:00 h.), affecting crops like maize (Zea mays) and rape plants (Brassica napus). Most respondents (96.7%) found the solar-electric poliwire fence more effective in preventing crop damage than traditional mitigation measures, such as drumming and guarding. While some farmers were uncomfortable with elephants in their area (50%), others valued their presence for tourism and education (47%). A holistic approach, combining education, awareness campaigns, and conservation initiatives, is needed to manage HEC effectively. Understanding farmer perspectives and local knowledge about elephant behaviour and migration is vital for sustainable coexistence of humans with elephants.