Assessment of Mitigation of Human–Elephant Conflict in the Highlands of Northwest Namibia

In the remote, semi-desert landscape of the highlands, west of Etosha National Park, competition between humans and elephants for natural resources is likely to increase because of climate change. The aim of this study was to assess priorities and measures to reduce human–elephant conflict in the highlands, and identify lessons learnt. The approach included interviews with community game guards, site visits to water points and analysis of data recorded by game guards on incidents of elephant damage. We conclude that upgrades to water points, including protection walls, concrete dams and solar pumps to ensure water is permanently available for people and elephants, are having a positive impact. Local feedback is that there has been a decrease in serious damage to water points over the last 5–10 years. There has been an increase in small-scale vegetable gardens and we recommend a programme of pilot projects to test protection measures at gardens.