Zimbabwe’s Human-Wildlife Conflict Takes a Devastating Toll

Deadly Encounters

By Senior Reporter

The struggle for survival in Zimbabwe’s rural communities has taken a deadly turn, as human-wildlife conflicts continue to escalate, claiming lives and causing widespread fear. In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded in Kariba, two men were attacked by wild animals in separate incidents on the same day, leaving them fighting for their lives in hospital.

The first victim, a resident of Kariba, was attacked by a hippo in the early hours of the day while walking through Chemhere grounds in Nyamhunga. The aggressive animal inflicted a deep cut on his leg, and he was rushed to Nyamhunga Clinic for initial treatment before being transferred to Kariba District Hospital. Just hours later, another man was attacked by a crocodile while fishing in Lake Kariba in the evening. The crocodile’s powerful jaws clamped down on his arm, causing severe injuries. He was also taken to Nyamhunga Clinic before being referred to Kariba District Hospital, where both victims are currently receiving treatment.

The increasing frequency and severity of such incidents have raised alarm bells among local authorities and residents. Member of Parliament, Hon Sen Gumpo Sikelela expressed his concern about the rapid escalation of human-wildlife conflicts, saying, “As you are aware, the only source of food, especially for the Kariba community, is Lake Kariba. There are no jobs, and most of our community relies on fishing, which puts them at risk of encountering dangerous wild animals.”

Unfortunately, Kariba is not an isolated case. Zimbabwe has experienced a surge in human-wildlife conflicts in recent years, particularly in areas surrounding national parks and wildlife reserves. According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), about 300 people were killed in human-wildlife conflicts across the country between 2019 and 2024. The authority has attributed the increase in such conflicts to the loss of habitat, forcing animals to encroach onto communities in search of food and water, resulting in such encounters.

The statistics are alarming, and the situation is getting worse by the day. In the first quarter of this year alone, 18 people were killed in human-wildlife conflicts in the country. The victims are often ordinary people trying to make a living, fishing, or farming, and are forced to venture into wildlife habitats due to economic necessity.

The human-wildlife conflict is a complex issue, and addressing it will require a multifaceted approach. It is essential for the government and conservation authorities to work together to develop strategies that balance human needs with wildlife conservation. This could include providing alternative livelihoods for communities that live alongside wildlife, improving fencing and other protective measures around wildlife areas, and educating communities on how to minimize the risk of encounters with wild animals.

The escalating human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe is a complex issue, further complicated by the impacts of climate change. As the climate continues to shift, ecosystems are being disrupted, and wildlife habitats are being altered. This has forced animals to venture into human-dominated areas in search of food, water, and shelter, leading to increased encounters between humans and wildlife.

In areas surrounding national parks and wildlife reserves, the effects of climate change are being felt deeply. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns have affected the availability of resources, leading to increased competition between humans and wildlife. As crops fail and agricultural productivity declines, humans are forced to encroach on wildlife areas, increasing the risk of conflict.

The situation is further exacerbated by climate-driven changes in wildlife migration patterns. As animals move in search of food and water, they are coming into contact with humans more frequently, leading to deadly encounters. In Zimbabwe, this has resulted in a significant loss of life, with 18 people killed in human-wildlife conflicts in the first quarter of this year alone.

Climate expert, Tatenda Mutasa told this publication that to address this complex issue, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach that takes into account the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and human livelihoods. This could involve supporting climate-resilient agriculture and alternative livelihoods, educating communities on climate change’s impact on human-wildlife conflict, and integrating climate change projections into conservation planning.

“By acknowledging the role of climate change in human-wildlife conflict, we can develop more effective strategies to mitigate these conflicts and protect both human and wildlife populations. It requires a collaborative effort from conservationists, policymakers, and local communities to find solutions that balance human needs with wildlife conservation, while also addressing the challenges posed by climate change,” added Mutasa.