6 Minute English
Elephant-proof farming
Nov 14, 2023
Farmers in Africa face challenges with crop raids by elephants. They are implementing innovative solutions, like using beehive fences based on ancient Kenyan folklore. The effectiveness of real bees and recorded bee sounds in deterring elephants is discussed. Additional benefits of bees in pollination and honey production are highlighted.
06:13
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Quick takeaways
- Using beehive fences can deter elephants from raiding farms and protect crops.
- Elephants are scared of bees, and installing beehive fences can also provide the added benefits of pollination and honey production.
Deep dives
Farmers in Kenya face human-wildlife conflict
In Kenya, farmers face the challenge of human-wildlife conflict, particularly with elephants. During the rainy season, elephants often raid farms, destroying crops and causing livelihood issues. These raids occur because elephants are desperate for water and are drawn to nutritious foods like maize and beans. Lack of funds for repairing fences in national parks exacerbates the problem. However, an innovative solution has emerged: using beehive fences. Bees, natural enemies of elephants, are installed around farms to deter the animals. The buzzing of real bees or even recorded sounds of angry bees keeps elephants away, protecting crops and allowing plants to benefit from pollination and honey production.
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