Farming Communities Research Articles

Accessibility of ART in the farming community of OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province

Background: South Africa accounts for 14% of all new HIV infections representing the highest annual rate of new HIV infections globally. In addition, South Africa is home to 21% of the worldwide HIV burden, with 7.97 million people living with HIV. HIV not only affects the health of those living with the virus but also impacts their economic well-being.Aim: The study aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of the accessibility of anti-retroviral treatment in the farming communities of the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province.Setting: The study was conducted in two local municipalities of OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province.Methods: A qualitative approach was used to explore and describe the accessibility of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) in the farming communities.Results: The study revealed that travelling long distances, transport costs, lack of transportation and traditional beliefs were the major barriers for farming communities to access ART.Conclusion: The findings of the study propose that poor access to ART in farming communities is linked to socio-cultural status, weak social support and limiting socioeconomic status.Contribution: The Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health’s management can use the study’s findings for recommendations to the National Department of Health management on how to improve HIV roll-out initiatives.

Hematological and immunological profiles of podoconiosis patients in West Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study.

Podoconiosis is a geo-chemically induced, non-infectious, familial, chronic lymphedema of the legs that occurs among barefoot people in rural, farming communities with extreme poverty. Despite a growing body of research surrounding the disease, the pathogenesis of the disease is relatively unknown. This study aims to investigate the immunological and hematological profiles of individuals affected by podoconiosis in comparison to healthy controls. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in West Gojjam Zone of Ethiopia involving adult individuals clinically diagnosed with podoconiosis (n = 53) and healthy controls (n = 67) from the same area. A survey was conducted to gather information on sociodemographic, lifestyle characteristics, and clinical features of the disease. About nine ml whole blood samples were collected for hematological and immunological testing, which included IL-4, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, IL-10, TGF β and IFN-γ. Overall, we observed significant differences in hematological parameters between individuals with podoconiosis and healthy controls. Specifically, we found a notable reduction in white blood cell count, with an adjusted mean difference (AMD) of -1.15 (95% CI: -2.09 to -0.21; p = 0.017). Additionally, the differential white blood count showed a decrease in absolute neutrophils (AMD = -3.42, 95% CI: -4.15 to -2.69; p < 0.001) and absolute eosinophils (AMD = -0.20, 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.03; p = 0.019). Conversely, we noted an increase in absolute lymphocytes (AMD = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.46; p < 0.001) and monocytes (AMD = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.85; p = 0.001). However, we didn't observe a significant difference in cytokine profile between podoconiosis patients and healthy controls. The decrease in neutrophil counts among podoconiosis cases compared to healthy controls may provide insight into the potential disease pathogenesis, suggesting the involvement of autoimmune-related mechanisms, as it demonstrates a similar hematological profile to other autoimmune disorders.

Searching for islands of happiness – LBK settlement at Cząstków Polski site XII, Czosnów Commune in Mazovia, Central Poland

Abstract Loose finds associated with the LBK have long been recovered during surveys in the Warsaw Basin, Mazovia. Most often, they have been interpreted as remnants of short stays of LBK communities migrating northwards along the Vistula River, or as stopping points of expeditions southwards for flint. Rescue excavations at Cząstków Polski site XII, Czosnów commune, although carried out on a small scale, provide the first possibility of a comprehensive multiproxy analysis to test this hypothesis and determine the nature of the settlement. By integrating the results of the analysis of natural conditions (soils, hydrography), excavated features, and artefacts: pottery (technology, stylistics, petrography), flint (raw materials, typology, use-wear) and coarse-grained stone (raw materials, typology, use-wear), we show that the site actually represents the remains of a small, shortly used settlement that is part of a small contemporaneous settlement micro-region occupied during the beginnings of the middle LBK (early Music Note phase). This micro-region is an example of a peripheral, short-lived and thus unsuccessful colonisation of early farming communities associated with the LBK.

Comparative Study of Power Tiller Operated Machines for Small Holders Farming in Conservation Agriculture

Timeliness is very crucial in all farm operations in general and in seeding and planting in particular. Slightly delay in sowing operation may lead to tremendous loss in production, productivity and sometimes quality of the grains followed by plant health. Power tiller operated machineries play very vital role for small scale farming system as the average holding size is close to one hectare and more than 86% of India’s farming community are small and marginal farmers. Practice of conservation agriculture with natural resource management has made the use of power tiller or hand tractors very essential for small holders farming. The power tiller with matching implements is cost effective source of farm power and it also enables farmers to diversify cropping pattern and increase in yield of crops. Present efforts were carried out to study the performance of various types of power tiller operated machines for different farm operations in conservation agriculture starting from seedbed preparation to crop harvesting for various crops like wheat, paddy, maize, gram, soybean, pigeon pea, sunflower, groundnut etc. Comparative field performance parameters such as field capacity, field efficiency, operating cost etc. and machine parameters have been presented in this paper.

The Extension of Maggot as a High-Protein Chicken Feed for Latompe Farming Community

This service program aims to provide an alternative feed for local chickens (Gallus domesticus) with high protein to the Latompe farming community. The alternative feed are maggots which are the larvae of Black Soldier Flies (Hermetia illucens). It is hoped that the chicken farmers in Latompe village will no longer only depend on carbohydrate-based feed such as corn to obtain maximum chicken growth. To transfer that new technology, the farmer's educators managed a mass socialization and made presentation slides, leaflets, and on-site practice followed by periodic assistance. As a result, the maggot extension program has been running well and several breeders have been able to cultivate maggots for their chickens' feed. It is hoped that this program can be implemented sustainably to obtain maximum production of local chickens.

Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology: A Global Health Threat in Rural Agricultural Communities—Prevalence, Suspected Causes, Mechanisms, and Prevention Strategies

Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) is a worldwide hidden health threat that is associated with progressive loss of kidney functions without showing any initial symptoms until reaching end-stage renal failure, eventually leading to death. It is a growing health problem in Asia, Central America, Africa, and the Middle East, with identified hotspots. CKDu disease mainly affects young men in rural farming communities, while its etiology is not related to hypertension, kidney stones, diabetes, or other known causes. The main suspected causal factors are heat-stress, dehydration, exposure to agrochemicals, heavy metals and use of hard water, infections, mycotoxins, nephrotoxic agents, altitude, and genetic factors. This review gives an overview of CKDu and sheds light on its medical history, geographic distribution, and worldwide prevalence. It also summarizes the suspected causal factors, their proposed mechanisms of action, as well as the main methods used in the CKDu prior detection and surveillance. In addition, mitigation measures to reduce the burden of CKDu are also discussed. Further investigation utilizing more robust study designs would provide a better understanding of the risk factors linked to CKDu and their comparison between affected regions.

Rural Households' Vulnerability to Climate Variability and Adaptation Strategies in the Case of Begemdir District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Climate change vulnerability is the biggest threat to ecosystems and economies of the world. Hence, this study aims to assess the vulnerability to climate variability adaptation strategies of rural households in Begemdir District, Northwest Ethiopia. In this study, the cross-sectional research design was used to gain a wider and better understanding of vulnerability to climate variability. Both primary and secondary data were used to triangulate the study to maintain validity. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 120 sample households from the study area. Moreover, climatic data, such as rainfall and temperature data were collected from meteorological stations. The data gathered from primary data sources analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Finally, a logistic regression model was employed to identify the factors that affecting households' decisions to climate adaptation strategies in the study area. The results of the study reveal that the overall IPCC-LVI score is 0.49, and the perceived rainfall has decreased over the last decade. This implies livelihoods of the households are vulnerable to climate variability and low adaptive capacity. The age, sex, education level, extension services, land size, credit access, access to climatic information, access to credit, and extension services affected significantly (p < 0.05) households' vulnerability to climate variability in the study area. Thus, the local governments, policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and farming communities need to consider these variables to realize climate change adaptation strategies in the study area. Moreover, higher focus should be given to enhancing education, expanding access to credit, increasing land management support, as well as strengthening extension services to build long-term sustainable climate-resilient practices and mitigate the impacts of climate change vulnerability to households in the study area.

Simulating the effects of sea level rise and soil salinization on adaptation and migration decisions in Mozambique

Abstract. Coastal flooding and sea level rise (SLR) will affect farmers in coastal areas, as increasing salinity levels will reduce crop yields, leading to a loss of net annual income for farming communities. In response, farmers can take various actions. To assess such responses under SLR, we applied an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate the adaptation and migration decisions of farmers in coastal Mozambique. The ABM is coupled with a salinization module to simulate the relationship between soil salinity and SLR. The decision rules in the model (DYNAMO-M) are based on the economic theory of subjective expected utility. This theory posits that households can maximize their welfare by deciding whether to (a) stay and face losses from salinization and flooding, (b) stay and adapt (e.g. switching to salt-tolerant crops and enhancing physical resilience such as elevating houses), or (c) migrate to safer inland areas. The results show that coastal farmers in Mozambique face total losses of up to USD 12.5 million yr−1 from salt intrusion and up to USD 1200 million yr−1 from flooding of buildings (RCP8.5 in the year 2080). Sorghum farmers may experience little damage from salt intrusion, while rice farmers may experience losses of up to USD 4000 yr−1. We show that medium-sized farmers (1–5 ha) are most at risk. This is because their farm size means that adaptation costs are substantial, while their incomes are too low to cover these costs. The number of households adapting varies between different districts (15 %–21 %), with salt adaptation being the most common, as costs are lowest. Despite adaptation measures, about 13 %–20 % of the total 350 000 farmers in coastal flood zones will migrate to safer areas under different settings of adaptive behaviour and different climatic and socio-economic scenarios.

The Employee Performance Management of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) of the Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health Center of Seruyan Regency in Improving Public Services.

This research aims to analyze the quality of animal health service management at the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) Animal Health Center of Seruyan Regency using the POAC (Planning, Organizing, Actuating, Controlling) management approach. Conducted from June 1 to September 1, 2024, this study employs a qualitative method with descriptive analysis. Data were collected through literature reviews, direct observations, and interviews with staff and management involved in the service delivery process. The findings reveal that the service planning at the UPTD Animal Health Center and Veterinary Public Health has not effectively engaged farmers, which has resulted in a disconnect between the programs offered and the actual needs of the farming community. Although the internal organization of the center is assessed as practical, the accessibility of services for farmers residing in remote areas remains a significant concern that requires attention. The execution of veterinary health services showcases the competence and skills of health workers. However, there are notable deficiencies in communication and the availability of information that hinder effective service delivery. Furthermore, the existing control system does not adequately accommodate user feedback, highlighting an urgent need for enhanced communication channels. Overall, this research aims to provide actionable recommendations to improve the quality of veterinary health services in Seruyan Regency, ultimately fostering a more responsive and user-centered service environment. The insights gained from this study will contribute to the ongoing efforts to align veterinary health services with the community's needs, ensuring better health outcomes for livestock and the farming population.

First evidence of early neolithic archery from Cueva de los Murciélagos (Albuñol, Granada) revealed through combined chemical and morphological analysis

The extraordinary preservation of Cueva de Los Murciélagos (Albuñol, Spain) provides a unique opportunity to identify the materials and the techniques involved in archery during the Early Neolithic period. Arrows with preserved feathers, tied fibres, adhesive substance, and two probable bowstrings have been studied trough an unprecedented multi-proxy investigation, including microscopy and biomolecular methods, to unravel archery techniques. The study has identified the oldest known sinew bowstrings, the first evidence for the use of olive tree (Olea europaea) and reed (Phragmites sp.) to produce arrow shafts in prehistoric European archery, and the identification of birch bark tar as a coating on the shafts. The results of this study provide insights into ancient craft, technological solutions, and adaptations to local resources in the production of these reed-shafted hardwood tipped arrows and bowstrings. Their deposition in a burial cave sheds new light on the role of these artefacts in a Neolithic farming community.

Servicesheds connect people to the landscapes upon which they depend

Abstract Ecosystem services (ES) are benefits people receive from nature. To sustain these benefits, we need to spatially connect communities benefitting from specific ES with landscape features that generate the ES. A variety of process‐based models support ES assessments by estimating the biophysical supply of ES that comes from landscapes. However, less attention has been given to how ES flow from landscapes to beneficiary groups. A ‘serviceshed’ is defined as the spatial area that provides an ecosystem service to beneficiaries at a specific location—thus connecting people to the landscapes and seascapes upon which they depend through ES flows. In this article, we propose a general framework to empirically define serviceshed boundaries. Using publicly available data, we apply this framework to two provisioning and two regulating services (1) agricultural and fishing livelihoods and (2) pollination and coastal flood control, respectively, in Canada. We find that agricultural fields of different types and sizes contribute livelihood value to 85% of the communities in the agricultural landscape, and fishing grounds of different sizes contribute to 24% of the communities in the fishing study area. On average, communities with a lower proportion of agricultural labour are associated with larger fields, whilst larger fishing grounds were associated with communities with a greater percentage of their population in fisheries, showing how different ES can have varied relationships with beneficiary communities. For regulating services, we find 66% of pollinator‐supplying areas are within the serviceshed of farming communities. Natural habitats and agricultural land account for 72% and 28% of this serviceshed area, respectively. Our models suggest also that 26% of saltmarshes are within the serviceshed of flood‐prone communities and most coastal communities in our study area benefit from saltmarshes, especially from those without dykes. We demonstrate how serviceshed mapping, when integrating social and ecological information, can be useful in multiple decision contexts. Servicesheds can help planners and managers better design zoning restrictions, restoration activities to benefit communities, or subsidy programmes to replace the value of ES lost due to climate change or land use development. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

A Scale to Measure Impact of Front Line Demonstrations on Food Security and Climate Resilience

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) were established to provide essential agricultural education and support to farmers at the grassroots level. These centers play a crucial role in disseminating advanced agricultural technologies and practices to improve the productivity and sustainability of farming. Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) play a crucial role in agricultural extension programs of KVKs, providing a platform to demonstrate and validate new technologies, practices, and innovations directly in farmers' fields. They are an integral part of agricultural extension services, facilitating the smooth and effective transfer of knowledge and technology from research institutions to the farming community. The present study was conducted to develop a scale to measure the impact of Front Line Demonstrations on food security and climate resilience. We collected 107 statements, out of these 42 statements were selected through relevancy test. Out of 42 statements, 28 statements were retained on the final scale. Reliability and validity of the scale indicates its consistency and precision of the results.

Histories of Landscapes: Negotiating Access and Belonging in the Tanganyika–Kenya Borderlands, 1930s to 1960s

Abstract Landscapes in the colonial period were contested and negotiated among multiple actors. The differences among them were reflected in the way colonial government authorities and local populations defined what it meant to belong to a physical space. Existing scholarship reveals how pastoralists, for example, were marginalised by successive governments who treated them as threats to the environment in the very regions where they have been recognised independently as essential actors in creating and sustaining those landscapes into the world heritage sites that they have become. While the conflict over various competing uses of land is well represented in the literature, less attention has been paid to how transboundary opportunities and challenges have been appropriated in order to ease the ill effects of resource scarcity in geographical locations which have undergone constant conflicting human interests. Here I address the regions lying between Kenya and Tanganyika. Using examples from pastoralist and farming communities on both sides of the border, this paper analyses the challenges posed by the multiple meanings of ‘landscape’ for transboundary resource use. Drawing upon archives available in Kenya, Tanzania and the United Kingdom, I argue that the borderlines officially dividing Tanganyika from Kenya had little if anything at all to do with the social practices and resources uses that prevailed at the time.

Evaluación participativa de la sustentabilidad en unidades productivas campesinas de Tinjacá, Colombia

Agriculture practiced at a family scale is a key production strategy for reproducing agroecological practices and ensuring food security and sovereignty. Often, small-scale production systems have notable strengths that deserve to be replicated but may also present multidimensional shortcomings that threaten their sustainability. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate, through a participatory approach, the sustainability of Small Farmers’ Production Units (SFPU) of Tinjacá (Boyacá), in central Colombia. The methodological strategy of the study was guided by the MESMIS Program (Spanish acronym for Indicator-based Sustainability Assessment Framework). The main results showed that the SFPUs in the municipality of Tinjacá have medium sustainability (ÍGS=3.1) with the highest rated environmental dimension (3.4) compared to the social (3.0) and economic (3.0) dimensions. In general, technical recommendations focus on building schools in small-scale farming communities, redesigning land parcels, and adopting agroecological practices. Collaborative efforts facilitated the collective development of viable technical solutions aimed at enhancing farm sustainability and improving the quality of life of farming families.

Design and Development of a Stainless Steel Fermentation Tank for Palm Wine with Gravity Purification Construction

Tourism and culinary activities are increasingly integrated into wine tourism, a key segment of agricultural tourism. Palma wine, a traditional wine produced from the sap of palm trees (locally known as sagars), is a significant product for the Minahasa farming community in North Sulawesi. This study focuses on optimizing the fermentation process to enhance the quality of Palma wine by utilizing food-grade HDPE containers and a dual-role fermentation tank. The tank is designed to reduce dust content in the palm sap through an efficient mechanism while minimizing disruptions during the transfer of fermentation products. The research involves designing and testing fermentation tanks based on applied science and technology principles to improve purification processes and standardize effectiveness and efficiency measurements. Results demonstrate that the use of high-quality fermentation tanks enhances the purification process and ensures better-quality Palma wine, contributing to the development of local wine tourism and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Participatory evaluation and demonstration of Moringa tree for leaf yield production in Kachebirra district, Southern Ethiopia

Moringa is a multipurpose tree distributed in the lowland areas of the southern Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to demonstrate Moringa tree for leaf yield production in smallholder farms under farmer management condition. The present study was conducted in Kachabira district, Southern Ethiopia. Two Moringa species are planted in the homestead of five farmers and one FTC (farmer training center) to enhance land productivity. Raised seedlings were planted with recommended spacing of 2m*2m between plants and rows. The growth performance data were collected for survival rate, root-collar diameter, height and fresh leaf yield. The result obtained showed that both species performed well in the studied area where it has been grown. The survival rate of both species in the studied area was 100% and 98% for Moringa stenopetala and Moringa oliefera, respectively. The plant height, root collar diameter, branch number, and fresh leaf yield parameters were recorded as an indicator for growth performance of planted Moringa species. The result of plant height, root collar diameter, leaf area and leaf yield for Moringa stenopetala and oliefera were 1.75m and 1.48m, 11.97mm and 7.84mm, 276.41mm2 and 49.93mm2, and 581.58gm and 90.47gm per plant, respectively. The growth performance information in the introduced area showed that it is suitable to grow Moringa stenopetala and oliefera. Therefore, farmers should practice and promote plantation of Moringa tree to improve production and enhance livelihood of farming community. Further research is desired on nutritional quality with respect of harvesting season, and organic amendments to improve leaf yield.

The economic value of seasonal weather and climate services for maize farmers in Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe

Most rural areas in Zimbabwe are extremely vulnerable to changing climatic conditions, particularly droughts, which threaten smallholder farmers' livelihoods. Seasonal weather forecast services can help farmers adapt, optimise production, and implement risk reduction strategies. To support increased investment in these services, this study seeks to provide quantitative evidence on the economic value of locality-specific seasonal weather forecasts by eliciting maize producers' willingness to pay (WTP) through the contingent valuation approach. The results of the study show that among 502 farmers, 68 % would pay for seasonal weather forecasts, highlighting their perceived economic value and practical utility in agricultural decision-making. On average, farmers were willing to pay one (1) United States dollar (US$1) per month for seasonal weather forecast services. Extrapolating this demand nationally, we estimate an annual economic value of around US$ 53.2 million for these services. This valuation underscores the substantial economic benefits that weather and climate services could offer to Zimbabwe's agriculture sector, justifying the case for increased resource allocation towards the delivery of location-specific weather forecasts. Using the Heckman selection model, the study further identified that maize producers' climate change perceptions, radio ownership, and prior participation in agricultural policy development significantly increased their likelihood of paying for seasonal weather forecasts. These factors highlight the role of both access to information and engagement in policy processes in shaping farmers' valuation of seasonal weather forecasts. Establishing district-level climate change dialogue platforms can significantly enhance maize producers' awareness of climate change, deepen their understanding of the value of weather forecasts, and encourage their participation in policy-making processes. By creating spaces for knowledge exchange and farmer engagement, these platforms not only support informed farm decision-making but also help tailor climate services to farmers' needs. Nevertheless, farmers from the Ndau ethnic group and those in remote areas showed reluctance to pay for seasonal weather forecasts, indicating that factors like ethnicity and remoteness affect WTP. This reluctance highlights how social marginalisation and inadequate infrastructure in remote areas limit access to weather information, thereby reducing farmers' perceived value of these services. Enhanced telecommunication infrastructure and radio signals in rural areas, especially community radios, could help to expand the access and tailoring of forecast messages in local languages, making it understandable and thus supporting informed decision-making across diverse farming communities.

Farmers’ adaptation to climate change in Pakistan: Can their climate risk management strategies lead to sustainable agriculture?

Farming communities in many developing nations are facing the impacts of climate change, characterized by greater variability and frequency of extreme weather events, which threaten their livelihoods and the agricultural sector as a whole. Agricultural sustainability is at risk when farmers engage in off-farm activities to protect their economic future and combat climate change. This study aimed to identify the determinants of off-farm management activities adoption and highlight the issues faced by farmers after their adoption in agriculture. The data were collected data through a questionnaire survey from 360 farm households in Pakistan. The study utilized a stepwise probit regression to analyse the adoption of land use and migration-based diversification as risk management strategies. The results indicated that marital status, household size, risk perception of rains, floods, drought, and extreme weather were the factors determining the adoption of land use and migration-based diversification as risk management strategies. However, livestock showed a negative association with the adoption of these strategies. Moreover, the study identified crop failure as the primary reason to adopt off-farm strategies, followed by rising production costs. The results showed that farmers were managing climate change risks at the cost of farmland, labour loss, and increased production costs. The study is unique in its focus on the unanticipated negative effects of this adaptation. The findings emphasize the need for investment in climate-smart agriculture and financial assistance for farmers. Building a sustainable agricultural system needs more than just adaptation: long-term practices and financial protections to stabilize farmers' incomes and help rural areas develop.

Sexual and reproductive health awareness and practices among adolescents and adults in a rural farming community in Baja California, Mexico: a quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study

Rural, indigenous populations in Mexico face barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) resources and services. Given the lack of information to inform educational materials tailored to the needs of these indigenous communities, we aimed to: (a) quantitatively characterise the SRH awareness and practices among adolescents and adults in a rural, mostly indigenous community in northern Mexico and (b) qualitatively assess community perspectives on an educational pamphlet with SRH information (e.g., contraceptive options). Quantitative data collection occurred in November 2018 and April 2019 using convenience sampling in a community clinic and random sampling for community households. Qualitative data collection occurred in November 2019 via individual interviews and focus group discussions to assess community perspectives about an SRH educational pamphlet developed from quantitative data. Participants in the quantitative phase of our study (n = 217) were a median age of 30 years, 71% were female, and those with children reported having a median of three (range = 1-11). SRH knowledge was low, as were self-reported efforts to obtain contraceptives or testing for HIV/STIs. Most believed that children should learn about SRH by age 10-15 years, and 94% felt that parents should deliver such education. Participants had low knowledge about SRH but high motivation to educate children and adolescents on these topics, indicating potential for SRH campaigns in this community. Health education materials were well-received in the qualitative phase of our study (n = 17 from individual interviews; n = 22 from focus group discussions), and raised interest among community members in learning more about these topics.

Five strategies to mitigate human-elephant conflict in the Kasigau wildlife corridor of Kenya

Interactions with elephants are increasing throughout the African savannah elephant range as habitat loss and modification and a growing human population continue to bring people and elephants into contact. These interactions can become negative when elephants are tempted into farmland and consume farmers’ crops or destroy water supplies, leading to human-elephant conflict. Each community coping with regular wildlife conflicts faces unique socio-ecological circumstances and constraints. Therefore, understanding the challenges within each system is a crucial step in designing customised management plans and mitigation interventions, adapted to the situation. We used a combination of survey results and participatory group fuzzy logic cognitive maps from six farming communities in south-east Kenya from previous studies, to understand the complex drivers and consequences of conflicts with elephants and how farmers conceptualize these interactions. These data informed the creation of five main strategies for mitigating the impacts of crop-raiding by elephants: deterrent methods, climate-smart agricultural techniques, alternative livelihoods, safety around elephants, and environmental stewardship. We consulted with local experts to design and deliver workshops in the six communities to present potential solutions within the strategies and to provide the content for a take-home manual. Although no single solution has emerged as the ideal way to mitigate these encounters, the workshops demonstrated a variety of approaches that can alleviate the financial and safety concerns of farmers. Future work should include understanding barriers to wider acceptance of such methods and evaluating the efficacy of multifaceted approaches. Creating a customised curriculum for workshops informed by social science data can provide vital information for local people who want to co-exist alongside elephants and other wildlife. Additional keywords: community-based conservation, conservation planning, conservation social science, human-wildlife co-existence