Key Takeaways:
– Kenyan farmers are using honeybee hives to protect their crops from elephants.
– The project is led by the charity Save the Elephants.
– An extensive study shows that elephants avoid farms guarded by bees 86% of the time.
– Despite the success, challenges arise due to recent droughts and the high cost of the installation.
How Bees are Protecting Kenyan Farms from Elephant Damage
In the expansive farmlands of Kenya, farmers have long had a complicated relationship with the elephants that roam between the two regions of Tsavo National Park. While these magnificent creatures contribute immensely to national tourism, they often trample and destroy crops that locals depend on for livelihood. But, here’s the buzz—farmers have found an innovative way to protect their fields, and it involves the smallest of nature’s warriors—African honeybees.
The Elephant Problem
Within the park, elephant numbers have soared from around 6,000 in the mid-90s to nearly 15,000 in 2021. This rapid growth combined with an expanding human population has led to numerous conflicts. The destruction of crops by elephants evolving as the top cause behind their high death rates.
Enter the Humble Honeybee
In response to these conflicts, charity organization Save the Elephants launched a project to help the farmers. The novel solution involves utilizing African honeybees to deter these massive animals from encroaching on farmlands.
Bright yellow beehive fences now stand as protective barriers for several local fields. A recent nine-year study reveals an astonishing result—elephants steer clear of farms buzzing with these ardent bees 86% of the time!
Fence Installation and its Effectiveness
Save the Elephant trains and supports 49 farmers, helping them install and maintain the unique beehive fences. Each beehive fence consists of 15 interconnected hives strung on greased wire a few meters off the ground. The placement is strategic—it keeps away badgers and insects and ensures the hive shakes when an elephant tries to disturb it. A simple shake, the noise, and the scent effectively scare the elephants away.
Challenges Along the Way
However, like every solution, this one too has had its fair share of roadblocks. Unpredictable climate changes leading to increased droughts have seen bees abandon their hives.
Another challenge lies in the cost of installation. The hives come at a hefty price tag of about 150,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately $1,100)—quite steep for many subsistence farmers. Despite the hefty price, the organizers argue that it’s a cheaper and more sustainable solution than electric fences.
A Bright Side
Apart from crop protection, the beehive fences present an additional benefit—honey. Farmers like Mwanajuma Kibula, harvest honey twice a year from their hives. Kibula makes about 450 shillings per jar of honey, generating an income that helps pay for her children’s school fees.
Alternative Solutions
Save the Elephants has also offered other methods for those who can’t afford beehives. These include metal-sheet fences that create noise when shaken by elephants, and diesel- or chili-soaked rags that deter them.
Despite these methods, many farmers still struggle with elephant destruction. Hendrita Mwalada, a local farmer, has attempted crop farming, only to suffer consistent crop destruction by elephants.
Conclusion
The elephant-bee project showcases an ingenious example of a homegrown, sustainable, and nature-friendly solution to human-animal conflicts. It reaffirms that sometimes, the smallest allies may provide the most significant protection. As this project continues, hope stirs for a harmonious balance between Kenyan farmers and the majestic elephants they share their land with.