Understanding Farmers’ Perceptions of Elephants in Botswana
This ongoing study explores how farmers in two key regions of Botswana—Chobe District and Central District—perceive and experience living alongside elephants. By comparing these two landscapes, which differ in elephant densities, land use, and conflict levels, the research aims to understand local attitudes, concerns, and knowledge about elephants. This is a study being conducted jointly under the Okavango Research Institute a part of the University of Botswana and the University of New South Wales.
Through interviews and community surveys, the study investigates how factors such as crop damage, livestock safety, cultural values, and previous encounters with elephants shape farmers’ opinions. The findings will help identify region-specific challenges and opportunities for improving human-elephant coexistence strategies. Ultimately, the project seeks to inform conservation efforts and support farmers in developing more effective and locally relevant conflict mitigation approaches.
