Taveta Fence Project, Kenya

Tsavo National Park is recognized worldwide for its viable elephant populations and the poaching wars of 1970s and 80s. However, also due to years of human encroachment, and habitat degradation, the emerging repercussions have been felt by many. For both humans and elephants, living alongside one another can present various challenges. Smart, ethical solutions must be carefully created to address these situations.

The Taveta community, which borders Tsavo West NP, has been experiencing human-elephant conflicts for many decades now. But, the community has taken a proactive approach and is spearheading a fencing initiative with assistance from IFAW and Kenya Wildlife Service. This type of mitigation will undoubtedly serve both animals and people.

Focuses of this project include:

• Enhancing security for wildlife to reduce human-wildlife conflict
• Mitigating the destruction of crops by elephants
• Guaranteeing the safety of school-bound children
• Aiding farmers who tend their crops all year long
• Enhancing food security
• Rebuilding of income generating activities in the irrigation schemes; Unemployed youth who otherwise cannot gain employment have turned to horticultural farming

Dr Naomi Shaban, left, Taveta Area parliament member, and KWS Director Julius Kipng'etich, right, clap for the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the launch of the IFAW supported 78-km electric fence at Lake Jipe, Tsavo West National Park.

Dr Naomi Shaban, left, Taveta Area parliament member, and IFAW Trustee, Manu Chandaria, right, raise a fence pole during the commemoration ceremony of the 78-km electric fence at Lake Jipe, Tsavo West National Park.