Harare, (New Ziana) — A local non-governmental organisation, Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA), has partnered with the Nyaminyami Rural District Council and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to address human-wildlife conflict in rural Kariba.

WCA has introduced a vuvuzela alert system, a simple yet effective method for warning residents about wildlife threats, particularly from lions. Smallholder farmers in the district are using the vuvuzelas in their gardens, collaborating with wildlife conservationists to enhance safety.

A vuvuzela is a long, plastic horn that produces a loud, monotone sound, traditionally used by soccer fans in South Africa. Lorraine Jowa, WCA’s environmental education and awareness project assistant said on Monday: “The vuvuzela system aims to reduce the risk of lion attacks on humans and livestock, promoting co-existence with wildlife.”

The vuvuzela alerts community members about potential lion threats, allowing them to take precautions. “Communities around Siakobvu Growth Point now use vuvuzelas to scare away lions,” Jowa said.

“This system also warns school children to be vigilant when they hear the sound.” Wildlife co-existence is crucial for conservation efforts in Nyaminyami in Mashonaland West Province and Mbire district in Mashonaland Central Province..

Increased land demand has brought communities closer to wildlife, escalating conflicts. WCA focuses on reducing costs and increasing benefits for both humans and wildlife. To enhance community safety, WCA recruits local guardians known as “Batabilili.” These guardians engage with residents to protect livestock and crops from wildlife threats.

“Our multifaceted approach includes responding to conflict incidents, collecting conflict data, monitoring wildlife movements, alerting farmers about dangerous animals, and conducting awareness campaigns,” Jowa added.

New Ziana