Nachingwea District in southern Tanzania is beginning to witness the positive impact of establishing permanent wildlife control posts, a government initiative aimed at mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.
Residents of Nditi village, one of the areas previously plagued by frequent elephant invasions, have reported a notable decline in wildlife-related disturbances since the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) set up a station in their locality.
Speaking during a public education meeting on April 13, 2025, community members expressed their relief and appreciation for the government's intervention. Saidi Juma Ngomo, a farmer in Nditi, highlighted how the presence of TAWA officers has transformed daily life for many.
“Before this station, we had no peace. But now, whenever elephants are spotted, help comes quickly. TAWA has built a post right here in Nditi, and we are very grateful,” he said.
Ngomo explained that for the past four years, fear of elephant invasions had driven many farmers away from their fields. Now, with regular patrols and quick response teams, people are returning to their farms with renewed confidence.
The sense of security brought by the station has not only reduced economic loss but also encouraged community members to engage more proactively with wildlife officers.
Residents are now calling for more control posts to be established across the district to ensure the efforts are sustained and expanded. They believe that a stronger presence of TAWA officers in vulnerable areas will help secure livelihoods and promote peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
District Commissioner Mohamed Moyo praised the government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritizing citizen safety in conservation zones.
He revealed that through the district council, a budget has been approved to procure aerial monitoring devices resembling drones, which will enhance efforts to control elephant movements.
“This shows our genuine commitment to protecting our people and their livelihoods,” he said, adding that the Sixth Phase Government remains dedicated to improving systems that safeguard both human life and the environment.
TAWA’s Chief Conservation Officer for the South-Eastern Zone, Linus Chuwa, said the Authority has constructed five permanent wildlife control stations in strategic locations with a history of intense human-wildlife conflict.
These include Ngarambe in Rufiji, Milola in Lindi Municipality, Nditi in Nachingwea, Chingurunguru in Tunduru, and Ngumbu in Liwale. Each post is manned by trained officers and equipped with modern tools such as cold bombs and non-lethal firearms to safely disperse animals without causing panic among residents.
Beatus Maganja, TAWA’s Public Relations Officer, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to protecting communities living near conservation areas. He emphasized that the government will not remain silent while citizens suffer from wildlife threats.
“We are fully committed to protecting people and their property,” he stated.
The transformation unfolding in Nditi illustrates the power of coordinated, community-focused interventions in tackling complex conservation challenges. As more areas benefit from this model, Nachingwea’s experience may well serve as a blueprint for other regions grappling with similar conflicts.