MAKURI – In the remote village of Makuri in the Otjozondjupa region, the San community is making a desperate attempt to protect an ancient baobab tree. 

Known as the “tree of life,” the baobab is a source of food, medicine and an important landmark in the forest for the Ju/’hoansi people. However, as climate change intensifies, these trees are under severe threat from elephants, which are tearing them apart in search of water. 

The centre of a baobab trunk is known to hold a pool of water, and in the absence of natural water reservoirs in the area, elephants are tearing these trees apart to access the water. 

For the villagers, each fallen baobab signifies not only the loss of a practical resource, but also the erosion of a heritage that is deeply rooted in their bond with the land. 

The Ju/’hoansi community, which resides in Makuri village about 60 kilometres from Tsumkwe, has lived in harmony with nature for decades. To them, the baobab is more than just a tree; it is a towering landmark that provides direction to hunters across the vast, untamed land. It also provides food and medicine. 

Reverend Isack Kandjone, an elder in the community, gestures with a mix of frustration and sorrow. “Climate change is our greatest concern. We barely have enough to eat because of poor rains since last year. 

Our food sources from the wild are disappearing, and the drought relief from the government has been delayed. Now, with the elephants destroying our baobab trees, we fear losing everything we have,” he says. 

“Those trees meant a lot to us. We make tea and coffee from them, eat their fruits, and use them to navigate when we are lost. Now, if you walk around, you’ll see that many have been destroyed. It’s heartbreaking.” 

During a recent drive through Makuri village early in the morning, New Era witnessed the impact firsthand. Around 08h00, this reporter spotted three elephants at a large baobab tree. 

With all their strength, the desperate animals were peeling off the bark until they eventually dug a hole in its trunk and drank the water. When they were done, they moved on to the next tree. This kind of damage signifies an end to the baobab tree. 

The reporter stopped the vehicle to observe the destruction of this essential tree taking place just a few metres from the road. A few kilometres further, a number of baobab trees stood in defiance, encircled by stones — a makeshift barrier set up by the conservancy and the ministry of environment in a desperate attempt to protect these vital trees from the jumbo onslaught. 

Speaking on behalf of the village,  Kandjone further says that the elephants have become troublesome due to the lack of water in the wild. 

“These elephants are causing problems because they want water,” he says, pointing to a water pump recently damaged by elephants. “These trees are our survival, and they attract tourists, who leave us with income when they visit. Without them, our lives would be bleak,” he states with other villagers nodding in agreement. 

Kandjone called for cooperation between the conservancy and the Ministry of Environment to drill more boreholes. He believes this would provide elephants with alternative water sources, and spare the baobab trees. 

Tragedy 

Thirsty elephants not only pose a threat to the trees, but to human life as well. 

While driving back from the village, the New Era team encountered an elderly church leader running towards them. He had abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot from an aggressive elephant. Minutes later, the news crew spotted the elephant running past, seemingly still in pursuit of the elder. 

Among those who have suffered due to elephant incursions is an elderly woman, !Kaece Kaqece. She cannot remember her exact age, but her face bears the marks of years spent under the African sun. She recalls a terrifying encounter that left her with a broken leg. 

“It was early, around 05h00, when I joined other women to gather wild food. We were laughing, sharing stories, until we came face-to-face with an angry elephant. It chased us, and I fell,” she says, her voice trembling. Unable to run, she was left at the mercy of the charging animal, which eventually moved on, leaving her injured on the ground. 

X-rays at the hospital confirmed she had broken her leg. When she sought compensation from the conservancy, they referred her to the ministry of environment. “They said I took too long to come to the office, and now it’s difficult for me to get help,” she adds, her disappointment clear. 

Solutions 

Nigel Swartbooi, an administrator at the Nyae Nyae Conservancy, acknowledged the rising conflict between the elephants and the villagers. 

“We know about the elephants targeting baobab trees because they store water. To protect the trees, we initially surrounded them with stones, but it hasn’t been effective. We’ve now partnered the ministry of environment to drill more boreholes, and one is already operational. We hope these efforts will reduce elephant targetting the baobab trees.” 

Regarding Kaqece’s case, Swartbooi confirmed that the conservancy referred her to the ministry. 

“We are aware of her situation but can’t confirm the ministry’s progress with her case,” he adds. 

ljason@nepc.com.na