The Community Conservation Fund of Namibia (CCFN), in collaboration with Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) and key partners, recently undertook a field visit to Kunene North, engaging directly with community members in Ondjete and surrounding areas.
The purpose of the visit was clear: to listen, learn, and strengthen partnerships in the face of growing human-elephant conflict that continues to challenge both livelihoods and conservation efforts.
The delegation included representatives from the Sesfontein and Ozondudu Conservancies, Kunene Elephant Walk Rangers, Opuwo Urban Constituency Office, Sustainable Wildlife Trust, Okahirongo Lodge, local leaders, game guards, Namibian Police, and community residents. Their collective presence reflected a shared commitment to understanding and addressing the realities on the ground.
During open field dialogues, community members raised key concerns: Elephants destroying crop fields, threatening food security, a call for designated elephant water points away from homes and gardens, the need for more rangers and support staff to manage conflicts effectively, requests for protective gear and non-lethal deterrents such as firecrackers, torches, and chillies, training on elephant behaviour and safety for both rangers and communities.
Areas Visited: the team visited several human-elephant conflict hotspots, including Ombombomasitu, Ovituambu, Otuani, Ondjete, Otuziru, Ombazu, and Otjerunda, among others. Each location told a story of struggle but also of resilience and a deep desire for coexistence.
This visit reinforced the importance of listening to local voices and integrating community knowledge into conservation planning. The insights gathered will inform future interventions, improve resource allocation, and enhance the collective response to human-wildlife conflict.
CCFN and its partners remain committed to working hand-in-hand with communities to build resilient, adaptive, and inclusive conservation systems—where both people and wildlife can thrive.
