Traditional ruler, Chief Chanje, cries out over destruction of farmlands by elephants in Chipangali (Video)

Chief Chanje, a traditional leader in Eastern Province, has expressed concern over the increasing human-wildlife conflict in his chiefdom.

Chief Chanje, whose chiefdom is in Chipangali District and who is also the caretaker of the Chikuwe Chiefdom, called on relevant authorities to intervene swiftly.

In an interview with Zambia Monitor in Chipangali, Chief Chanje said the area had seen an increase in the invasion of elephants and other wild animals.

He stated that elephants, in particular, have been destroying crop fields and recently even broke into a family’s house searching for stored maize.

“This morning around 03:00 hours, a number of elephants invaded a farm in Kafansiyanji, broke into the house, and took bags of maize and mealie meal stored inside,” Chief Chanje said.

He noted that elephants from Kasungu National Park had been destroying his people’s fields, gardens, bananas, cassava, and other crops.

Read More: Ministry warns of increased human-wildlife conflicts arising from encroachments, climate change

Chief Chanje warned that this might lead to increased hunger before the next farming season as many people have had their fields invaded and destroyed.

He said there was need for a quick response from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to prevent any loss of lives and further destruction of the fields.

“I am becoming worried about my people of Kamkomole farms, bordering Kasungu National Park in Chief Chanje’s area, as elephants from Kasungu National Park have been destroying my people’s fields, gardens, bananas, and cassava,” Chief Chanje said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.