NKURENKURU – The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (METF) has paid more than N$45 million for 3 301 cases of human-wildlife conflict across the country since 2019. 

The ministry’s spokesperson Romeo Muyunda, in an interview with Nampa on Monday, said conservancies received N$29.8 million, while N$4.8 million was utilised for the loss of 3 182 head of livestock and N$3.6 million was spent to compensate for crop losses on 3 869 hectares. 

“A sum of N$1 million was paid for 108 injuries sustained by individuals, of which 23 claims were rejected, and a sum of N$6.2 million was used to pay for the tragic loss of 69 lives, with seven claims being rejected,” said Muyunda. 

He further explained that the claims were rejected due to a lack of proof that the persons fell victim to wild animal attacks or if there was proof of negligence on the part of the victim. 

“This does not imply that the family of anyone killed by hippos or crocodiles will not be paid the amount, but rather to caution the public that even though there is such a provision, there are requirements for the compensation to be paid. One of the requirements is that the ministry must conduct investigations when such incidences occur to ascertain that there was no negligence,” Muyunda stressed. 

He noted that human-wildlife conflict has become frequent, and the ministry wants to put measures in place to reduce such attacks and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. 

The ministry is also educating community members on effective mitigation strategies, such as using chilli fences around their fields to deter wildlife and protect their crops. 

“We constantly call upon the public to refrain from undertaking activities that may endanger their lives, particularly those who live along our rivers, flood plains and near conservancies. The minister gave an example of swimming and doing laundry in the river as risky practices that can be avoided,” he said.