Introduction
The African forest elephants, which are a keystone species that support a variety of other organisms, are listed by the IUCN as critically endangered. Recent studies have revealed a drop in the number of forest elephants in the Kakum Conservation Area (KCA) (CA, 2018). This decline can be primarily linked to habitat loss and human-elephant conflict (HEC). Elephants crop raiding on KCA buffers, which is mostly affected by poor agricultural practices and continuing farm development into KCA, is one of the main causes of (HEC) within the KCA, diminishing the habitats of elephants. Strengthening Human-Elephant Coexistence is an initiative developed by Conservation Alliance International and funded by the European Outdoor Conservation Association. The objective of the project is to enhance the conservation of the African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), a significant keystone species within the KCA through mitigated efforts on elephant crop raids and habitat restoration.
Implementation Date: 2022- 2023
Implementation Site: Kakum Conservation Area
Outcome
Monitoring revealed zero crop raids in the communities since the demonstration fencings were installed in November 2022, while education on Good Agricultural Practices boosted farmer participation in reforestation from 14% to about 60%
Conclusion
The project has played a significant role in the restoration and maintenance of the intricate, essential, and delicate relationship between the human and elephant populations within the KCA. The active engagement of relevant stakeholders from the project’s inception has resulted in strong participation from both community members and park managers in achieving project objectives. Furthermore, the project has made substantial contributions to the ongoing efforts aimed at the preservation and rehabilitation of elephant habitats, which are pivotal for the sustained existence of these remarkable creatures
For more information on this project, contact info@conservealliance.org