Assessing tolerance for wildlife : human-elephant conflict in Chimanimani, Mozambique

Abstract

Human–elephant conflict (HEC) is a common problem for rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent studies have shown that willingness to tolerate wildlife is largely a function of perceived risks and benefits, but most technical assessments are limited to the immediate cause of the conflict and neglect the broader socioeconomic and political contexts. Based on two sets of interviews, this article provides a socioeconomic analysis of HEC in the buffer zone of Chimanimani National Reserve in Mozambique. Although traditional methods to scare off elephants were found to have little effect, a beehive fence introduced in 2016 initially appeared to be successful. However, follow-up three years later showed that results were controversial and HEC was even more acute. Underlying factors include the failure to establish a common understanding between the local population and authorities about the risks versus benefits involved and the elements for an acceptable solution.