In a bid to curb rising human-elephant conflict, Zambian farmers are adopting chili fences as a natural deterrent to protect crops from elephant raids, with early results showing promise in the Imusho region near the Angolan border.
The initiative, led by Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature, has seen four chili fences installed since 2024 across fields frequently targeted by elephants.
Officials say more chilli fences are expected to be installed in the area this year as the elephants cause havoc in a large area.
“The area of operation is so big. It can be about 60 kilometres so we need more manpower so that we can at least handle the situation,” said Abraham Banda, head of wildlife police in the region told state-run Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation on Sunday.
The elephants are believed to be crossing into Zambia from Angola via the Kwando River corridor.
Chili fences – simple strings or sisal ropes soaked in a mixture of chili and used engine oil – take advantage of elephants’ acute sense of smell to repel them from crop fields.
When elephants approach, they typically use their trunks to investigate. The pungent chili-infused oil causes discomfort, prompting them to retreat without harm.
The method is non-lethal, cost-effective and community driven.
It has already assisted in reducing crop damage and easing tensions between farmers and wildlife.
The approach is gaining traction across Africa.
In neighbouring Zimbabwe’s Hwange District, chili fences have helped reduce elephant incursions and transformed community attitudes toward conservation.
Farmers in Kenya and Tanzania have also adopted similar techniques, often combining chili deterrents with beehive fences or early warning patrols.
JN/APA