Africa-Press – Namibia. Farmers who lose cattle due to human-wildlife conflict will receive increased compensation of N$8 000 per animal from 1 April 2025, up from the previous N$3 000.
The adjustment forms part of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Self-Reliance Scheme, aimed at supporting affected farmers, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta said in Parliament last week while announcing the increase.
He highlighted the government’s moral obligation to assist rural communities and farmers who face losses due to wildlife.
In addition, he stressed the need to find sustainable solutions that promote self-reliance among farmers while mitigating the impact of wildlife on livelihoods.
“Human-wildlife conflict is a complex matter that needs to be dealt with by all of us as a collective.
The ministry is cognisant of the numerous challenges our rural communities and farmers experience as a result of human-wildlife conflict,” Shifeta said.
He noted that Namibia’s wildlife resources play an important role in attracting tourists, which contributes to economic development and employment creation.
The Human-Wildlife Conflict Self-Reliance Scheme was established to provide financial relief for farmers affected by livestock and crop losses.
Additionally, it ensures that those who bear the brunt of wildlife-related damages can benefit from tourism-generated income.
It is also there to meet the moral obligation of the government to support a family who has lost a family member to certain species of wild animals under conditions where the affected person could not reasonably have been expected to defend himself or herself to avoid the incident, and where the family incurs funeral and related costs,” Shifeta said.
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