Significant efforts are underway across Africa to do precisely as you say: find different ways to protect farmers and villagers from elephants (and other wildlife). Of course, without some kind of incentive, humans will not appreciate wildlife.
In 2022, Uganda updated the Wildlife Act to provide compensation for damage to crops and/or farmers but the process does take a while. At the same time, we have a lot more interventions in place, although more are needed. Some are more effective than others. I live on the edge of Kibale National Park. At the end of Sunbird Hill land, we have an elephant trench. Either side of this, there is a wooden “elephant boardwalk” another physical barrier. However, elephants usually find a way round or across. The “beehive fence” is another innovation. Did you know elephants are scared of bees?
In Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, we have several kilometres of electric fence that seem to be effective, but again more is needed.
Other challenges we have are farmers continuing to plant palatable crops right next to the park boundary and millennials from Kampala who want to feed bananas to baboons and post the pics on social media!
An integral part of Jim’s walks are meetings with schools and community groups across Africa. He is very aware of the reality of living with wildlife. You can read more of his posts on his Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.
I came to Uganda to work with the Uganda Conservation Foundation to address human wildlife conflict. Here are a few stories you may enjoy:
Why I love elephant dung https://www.muzungubloguganda.com/conservation/community-tourism-ishasha-uganda/
How do you deal with an elephant in your garden? https://www.muzungubloguganda.com/conservation/how-do-you-deal-with-an-elephant-in-your-garden/

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