Elephants destroy crops
Some of the farmers said they have had their farms assessed for damage, but are yet to receive compensation from government.
Kenya Kambowe
MAHAHE
A roaming herd of elephants has wreaked havoc on crop fields in Mahahe village in Kavango West's Mankupi constituency.
Ten mahangu fields have been destroyed at the village, which is situated a short distance from the Mangetti National Park.
One of the affected farmers said a herd of about 10 elephants has been ravaging their fields for quite some time. The farmers say they fear for their lives and those of their families, while adding that they do not have the means to scare off the animals.
Large and fast
“The elephants are large and they are fast. Any attempt to scare them off can result in consequences for you and your family,” a farmer said.
Some of the farmers said they have had their farms assessed for damage, but are yet to receive compensation from government.
When contacted for comment, Mankupi constituency councillor Lucas Muha said he is aware of the elephants destroying crop fields at Mahahe and the surrounding villages.
He added that his office has intervened and the matter is being addressed by the relevant stakeholders.
Disheartening
Muha expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which government deals with the issue, in particular when it comes to payments to farmers for crop damage.
He said for years he has been informed about payments not being made to victims, something he said instils a lack of trust in the government. “It is disheartening to know that after assessments have been made, the office responsible for making payments is not doing so.
“Then it becomes a challenge for us to embrace nature. The people will not see the importance of nature if the elephants have destroyed their mahangu fields and we do not pay them,” Muha added.
MAHAHE
A roaming herd of elephants has wreaked havoc on crop fields in Mahahe village in Kavango West's Mankupi constituency.
Ten mahangu fields have been destroyed at the village, which is situated a short distance from the Mangetti National Park.
One of the affected farmers said a herd of about 10 elephants has been ravaging their fields for quite some time. The farmers say they fear for their lives and those of their families, while adding that they do not have the means to scare off the animals.
Large and fast
“The elephants are large and they are fast. Any attempt to scare them off can result in consequences for you and your family,” a farmer said.
Some of the farmers said they have had their farms assessed for damage, but are yet to receive compensation from government.
When contacted for comment, Mankupi constituency councillor Lucas Muha said he is aware of the elephants destroying crop fields at Mahahe and the surrounding villages.
He added that his office has intervened and the matter is being addressed by the relevant stakeholders.
Disheartening
Muha expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which government deals with the issue, in particular when it comes to payments to farmers for crop damage.
He said for years he has been informed about payments not being made to victims, something he said instils a lack of trust in the government. “It is disheartening to know that after assessments have been made, the office responsible for making payments is not doing so.
“Then it becomes a challenge for us to embrace nature. The people will not see the importance of nature if the elephants have destroyed their mahangu fields and we do not pay them,” Muha added.
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