Repeated incursions by wild animals have destroyed nearly 237 hectares of food crops in Tete Province, in northwestern Mozambique, since the beginning of the year, according to local authorities.
Beyond the agricultural losses, the growing conflict between local communities and wildlife has claimed 11 lives during the same period, according to Radio Mozambique.
Mendes Cardoso, Director of the Cahora Bassa District, said provincial authorities quickly implemented emergency measures to reduce both human casualties and material damage caused by the increasing number of wild animals entering populated areas.
Among the measures introduced are expanded public awareness campaigns targeting communities living near nature reserves and rural areas. These initiatives aim to improve preventive practices, promote safer coexistence with wildlife, and reduce the risk of encounters with wild animals.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges Mozambique faces in managing coexistence between rural communities and wildlife, against a backdrop of expanding agricultural activities near natural habitats.