Conservation of forest elephants is a crucial issue owing to their significant importance to the ecosystem. This project by Green Growth Africa Network(GGAN) is aimed at mitigating human-elephant conflict in the communities fringing the Mole National Park. The project seeks to address the issues of elephant crop raiding and poaching, both of which have become prevalent in the area.
One of the primary activities of the project is the promotion of chili pepper fencing. Chili pepper fencing involves planting chili peppers around agricultural land, which serves as a natural deterrent for elephants, as they are repelled by the pungent smell. The project provides support to local communities to enable them establish these fences, including the provision of chili pepper seedlings and training on how to construct and maintain the fencing.
This project also promotes good agricultural practices to enhance the ecological landscape. This includes training on sustainable farming techniques, such as agroforestry and crop rotation, which can help reduce the impact of human activity on the park’s natural resources.
The project also focuses on training park rangers, educating local communities, and promoting law enforcement. The park rangers are trained to monitor and respond to elephant movements and report any illegal activities such as poaching. Local communities are educated on the importance of conserving elephants and the benefits of co-existing with them. The project also works with law enforcement agencies to enhance patrols and prosecution of poachers.
Overall, the project’s activities are aimed at reducing the impact of human activities on the elephants in the Mole National Park, promoting peaceful co-existence, and conserving the park’s ecological landscape. Through the implementation of these activities, the project hopes to reduce human-elephant conflict and ensure the continued survival of the elephants in the park
