Farmers in the Talensi-Nabdam District in Upper East Region of Ghana advocated for increased measures to address human-elephant conflict (HEC) on Saturday, December 30, 2023. The group of largely women farmers appealed for help before the harvesting season later this year.
Climate change and expanding human populations leave elephants with fewer food sources. Herds invade rural farm communities in search of food, causing increased HEC and threatening the farmers’ livelihoods and safety.
An advocate from the Nabdam district stated threats come from elephants migrating through a wildlife corridor from neighboring Burkina Faso. The elephant population in Burkina Faso was between 4,000 and 5,000 a decade ago, with populations around the world declining on average since then.
Elephants and Bees
It is an established fact that elephants dislike bees. Projects like Save the Elephants’ Elephants and Bees Project establishes beehives in protected areas like farms to ward off elephants in a non-violent way. Additionally, the beehives produce honey, which can improve the local economy and food supply. Tending to the beehives also provides safe, sustainable jobs to local residents.
Bees in Ghana
Elephants and Bees does not currently list Ghana as one of its project countries.
However, the Nabdam District Director of Agriculture stated during the December 30 meeting that plans were being established to set up beehives around the farms in the area.
What can you do to help?
Check out sustainable deterrents that keep elephants from invading farms in search of food. You can advocate for elephants, bees, and humans by supporting Elephants and Bees. Donate or get involved with the parent organization, Save the Elephants.
HEC deterrents like beehives cannot fix all the problems caused by expanding human populations, climate change, and other dangers to elephants like poaching. But it is a safe, peaceful, innovative way to help elephants and humans coexist.
Elephant Advocate 