29 Oct 2025

The ongoing Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA)-funded game proof fence project in Pandamatenga is projected to eradicate human-wildlife conflict and promote food security.

In an interview, KAZA executive director Dr Nyambe Nyambe stated that the transformative project was valued at P11.5 million of which 68 per cent was funded by KAZA whereas the remaining 32 per cent was co-financed by government.

Dr Nyambe underscored that the project was aligned to the KAZA mission to sustainably manage resources and apply best conservation models for the socio-economic wellbeing of communities in the KAZA region.

He pointed out that the KAZA region consisted of 19 national parks and 60 forest reserves, and that it boasts an estimated total elephant population at 227 900, with the largest volume being found in Botswana.

He said the construction of a 22-kilometre solar powered game proof fence had commenced with pre-fence construction works.

Dr Nyambe said the fence protected 242 Pandamatenga small scale farmers, indirectly benefiting 1 000 dependents through food supply and employment.

The director indicated that the project addressed the rampant human- wildlife conflict where wildlife destroyed farm fences and crops. He remarked that Pandamatenga was an epicentre for arable agriculture mostly constituted by commercial farmers who applied modern farming practices supported by robust infrastructure like animal proof fence.

Nonetheless, Dr Nyambe stated that the project would transform small scale farming, which was a source of livelihood for many locals, by positioning those engaged in it to be competitive and to be able to evolve into farming at a commercial scale.

He said Pandamatenga was a transboundary wildlife corridor connecting Chobe, Kazuma Pan and Hwange National Parks in Botswana and Zimbabwe, respectively.

“This transformative project will eradicate human-wildlife conflict in Pandamatenga and also support broader conservation goals by maintaining wildlife corridors while protecting livelihoods.”

Dr Nyambe said human- wildlife conflict cases had skyrocketed in the area with 350 incidents reported in the past three years where 230 hectares of crops were destroyed by wild animals. He indicated that these damages cost government over P716 000 in compensation to farmers. ENDS