Kenyan farmers utilize bees to safeguard crops from elephant raids

Posted by Tsoku Maela on 23 May 2023

In an effort to promote a non-lethal approach to resolving conflicts between farmers and elephants, agriculturalists in Kenya have turned to bees as a protective measure. Bees, known for their vital role as pollinators, possess an unexpected power over the colossal mammals, evoking fear when swarming.

Picture: Getaway gallery

Save The Elephants, a UK-based charity has taken the initiative to assist farmers in installing beehives along the perimeters of their farmland, effectively establishing a natural ‘fence’ to deter foraging elephants from encroaching upon their crops.

Jones Mwakima, a farmer residing in Kajire Village near Tsavo National Park, has frequently experienced elephant raids. He attests to the rapid devastation caused by these immense creatures, stating, ‘When an elephant raids your farm, within half an hour, it can consume what would take eight hours in the wild. The problem lies in the fact that they consume only 40 percent of the crops, while the remaining 60 percent is left in ruins.’

Given the substantial food requirements of elephants and the encroachment of settlements upon their habitats, conflicts with human neighbours have become a significant challenge for conservation efforts in Kenya. Victor Ndombi, the Food Security and Livelihood Project Officer at Save The Elephants, explains, ‘People are now building houses and farming in these areas, obstructing the elephants’ migratory routes. Consequently, the elephants have no choice but to venture into these farms and engage in crop raiding.’

Save The Elephants supplies the beehives to farmers free of charge and has been inundated with requests for additional installations from the communities it serves. Moreover, these beehives serve as an additional source of income for farmers who can collect honey and beeswax.

Mwakima expresses gratitude for the bees, stating, ‘We appreciate the presence of bees as they aid in protecting our farms. Farming is my sole source of sustenance and income for my family, and the surplus enables me to educate my children.’

Nahashon Mwagalo, another farmer in the area, shares his experience of sleepless nights caused by elephants damaging his crops. As a result, he has shifted his focus to cultivating sunflowers instead of maize. He explains, ‘Sunflowers require minimal attention, freeing me from the need to guard against elephants. Unlike when I used to plant maize and had to remain vigilant throughout the night, I can now sleep peacefully.’

However, it is essential to protect elephants as well. The African elephant population in the wild is estimated to be as low as 415 000. The implementation of these bee fences aims to alleviate tension between humans and elephants through a non-lethal approach.

Watch the video below courtesy of AfricaNews.

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