27 May 2025

A total of 358 farmers have been compensated with about P829 215. 55 for human-wildlife conflict cases in the Okavango District during the fourth quarter of 2024/25.

Okavango District Council (ODC) chairperson Mr Gaopalelwe Ronald said this during the official opening of the full council meeting. Mr Ronald said the P5.5 million that was allocated for compensation of farmers for the 2024/25 financial year had been exhausted. He said 1 265 cases which amounted to P6.34 million were still awaiting compensation while, the amount allocated for the year 2025/26 was P5 million, which was a deficit. Mr Ronald said that 1 623 cases of problem animals were registered in the fourth quarter of 2024/25 with many cases registered being of lions with 720 cases and 450 cases involving wild dogs.

Nominated councillor Mr Osefelepelo Gaebolae said that human-wildlife conflict contributed immensely to poverty in the district as farmers suffered losses from animal destruction to their crops and domestic animals instead of benefitting economically. Mr Gaebolae complained that farmers were undercompensated for their loss and that the compensation was further delayed which negatively impacted people’s lives.

Gumare East-Tubu councillor, Mr Kebonyemodisa Mbwe said it was a concern that many farmers were still awaiting compensation for their loss. Mr Mbwe said it was imperative for leaders to find ways to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in order for compensation funds to be channelled to other development projects. ENDS