Rapid Response Program Report - June 2026
INTRODUCTION
Wildlife species that enter villages or agricultural land are perceived as conflict animals. This time around since the water levels in the Luangwa river are low, animals like elephants, lions and many more are crossing visiting the villages where they can easily find food at a silver plate hence causing a conflict.
This June report will highlights on the updates on human wildlife conflicts in the area, human wildlife incidences per Village Action Groups(VAG) level, activities in progress and the challenges and way forward.
A Bull Elephant
UPDATE ON HUMAN WILDLIFE CONFLICTS IN THE AREA
Nsefu chiefdom has been frequently visited by some big five animals namely elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, etc. But this time around the only problem animals that has threatened people’s lives is the bull elephant which moves every day at night in areas like Chitunda VAG and Kawaza down Katapila.
It has been moving alone especially from 19:00 to 04:30 somewhere there. Therefore people have been advised not to be moving at awkward hours to avoid human injuries and death. Further asked to be moving in groups not alone and avoid been drunk.
At least this time around incidences of crop damages, livestock Predation, Property Damage, Human Injury, and Death have reduced, because community members have understood the animal behaviors well and are ready to coexist through the sensitization meetings we have been conducting.
“A bull elephant threatening people’s lives in the area of Nsefu chiefdom especially areas of Chitunda VAG and Kawaza VAG down Katapila side.”
Following the above stipulated reports received of a bull elephant, which sims to be a problem in the area. Awareness messages were made to ensure that people are safe. We also urged them to avoid moving at nights whilst drunk and making sure they are in a group of two or more for safety.
ACTIVITIES IN PROGRESS
The following are the activities which are in progress;
Garden visitations – on going
Sensitization meetings with Gardeners - on going.
Vegetable seeds distribution .
Monitoring of gardens - on going.
HWC field assessments - on going.
HWC stakeholders monthly meeting - 2nd July, 2026 at Chinzombo DNPW offices.
HWC stakeholders quarterly meeting - 9th July 2026 at Msimbiti Garden Hall.
CHALLENGES
The following are the challenges the program is facing for it to execute its duties well ;
Delay in provision of mitigation kits such as flash lights, Vuvuzelas and fireworks.
The program lacks man power for effective operations. At least 2 people can be employed to boost the man power.
Gardeners are lacking vegetable seeds, measurable fertilizer, watering cans and pesticides in order for them to have good gardens that will provide quality vegetables.
Gardeners are also asking for Chova pumps for effective watering of their gardens, as some of them are widows who can not afford to procure own their own.
More fuel is required for effective monitoring to these Gardeners and HWC field assessments and also for movement in the communities to sensitize them.
WAYFOWARD TO THE CHALLENGES
Quick attention to the above stipulated challenges is needed by the organization for effective operations and creating a strong bond with the community members.
