By Rasheeda Hamidu
Farmers living near wildlife habitats in Zambia are using radio broadcasts and satellite-based alert systems introduced in May 2026 to reduce dangerous encounters with elephants and other wild animals.
The technology initiative was implemented in communities bordering protected areas through collaborations involving conservation groups, local radio stations and wildlife authorities, according to Conservation South Luangwa.
The alert systems use satellite tracking collars fitted on elephants to monitor animal movements and send warnings to communities through local radio broadcasts and mobile communication channels.
According to conservation officials involved in the programme, the system is designed to help farmers protect crops, reduce attacks on people and minimise retaliatory killings of wildlife.
Rachel McRobb stated that early warning systems are helping communities coexist more safely with wildlife in areas where human-animal conflict has increased.
The conservation groups noted that crop destruction by elephants has remained a major challenge for farming communities living close to wildlife corridors and national parks in Zambia.
Environmental organisations working in southern Africa have identified climate change, habitat fragmentation and expanding human settlements as factors increasing contact between people and wildlife.
Conservation South Luangwa and its partners stated that combining technology, community engagement and conservation education could improve both biodiversity protection and rural livelihoods.
Human-wildlife conflict remains a growing environmental and food security concern across parts of Africa, where changing ecosystems and land-use pressures continue to affect farming communities and wildlife populations.
NatureNews tracks biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and community-based environmental initiatives as part of its coverage of sustainability and ecosystem management across Africa.
