Farmers use bee barriers and natural deterrents to protect food gardens from elephants, enhancing food security and promoting coexistence.
LIMPOPO - Vincent Mabunda, team leader at Gingirikani Agricultural Co-operative in Phalaubeni village between Giyani and Phalaborwa, says their food garden is in constant danger of elephant incursions because the fence of the Kruger National Park is a mere 4km away.
The elephants are afraid of bee activity and abhor the potent scent of the plants. Solar-powered lights on poles are interspersed between the hives with an extended line of suspended scrap metal, namely zinc, producing a loud noise when activated by elephant movement. Fabric soaked in recycled engine oil and chilli grinds is tied onto the external, wire fence in a final effort to deter the elephants from accessing the food gardens.
According to Henley, the NGO placed 10 hives in the farming cooperative, which was rechristened Ndlopfu Kurhula, meaning Elephant Peace. Half of the hives were immediately occupied by the insects, although all of them are expected to be filled by summer when bee forage becomes plentiful; with a honey harvest planned after the colonies have added nectar from the summer bounty to their existing winter reserves.
He says, “Human-wildlife conflict poses a significant threat to food security in these remote locations and any initiative that creates a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants is welcomed. We are especially grateful for the additional exposure this project is giving participants to help generate a longer-term sustainable income source for these resilient community members because a rising tide will lift all ships.
Benefits are many for the SEF participants as they may consume the harvest, sell the vegetables for profit, or donate the produce to families in need.
Community News News In Phalaborwa
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
uMkhonto weSizwe Dissolves Structures in Gauteng and LimpopoThe uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has dissolved all structures in Gauteng and Limpopo following the announcement of permanent leadership in these provinces. The party's secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, emphasized that decisions by national officials are final and called for maximum discipline within the organization. The MK Party will announce a leadership structure for KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.
Read more »
Police intensify search for missing 12-year-old Limpopo girl Lily Ditshego SepoloanePolice are urgently searching for 12-year-old Lily Ditshego Sepoloane, who vanished after leaving for church in Limpopo, leaving her family and community in distress.
Read more »
Limpopo’s top matric pupils get rewardsLimpopo’s top matriculants celebrated with awards and laptops. Leaders emphasize teamwork in education to shape a brighter future for all.
Read more »
Limpopo Education Department Works to Place Unplaced Pupils Amidst Falsified Document ConcernsThe Limpopo Education Department is tackling a backlog of unplaced pupils while also addressing the issue of parents submitting fraudulent documents to secure school placements.
Read more »
Limpopo Education Department Warns Against Falsified Documents for School PlacementsThe Limpopo Department of Education warns parents against submitting false information to secure school placements outside of their designated zones. The department is addressing a backlog of unplaced learners, with over 1,600 students in grades 1 and 8 still awaiting placements in Polokwane, Mokopane, Tzaneen, and Lephalale. Some parents attempt to circumvent the system by providing fraudulent addresses and documents, which is a criminal offense. The department assures parents that all qualifying learners will be admitted within their respective circuits and transportation will be provided for those placed outside a 5-kilometer radius.
Read more »
Limpopo Businessman Rescued After October Kidnapping, 11 Arrested Including Gauteng Police OfficerLimpopo businessman Eddie Gouveia has been found by police after three months since he was kidnapped outside his place of business in October 2024.
Read more »