Residents of Nyantugutu, Lung’wa, and Nding’ho villages in Itilima District have applauded the government for establishing the Problem Animal Information System (PAIS), a digital platform designed to simplify the process of reporting wildlife incidents and receiving compensation for losses caused by dangerous and destructive animals.
The system, developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, aims to ensure that victims of wildlife-related damages receive kifuta jasho/machozi (consolation payments) quickly and transparently reducing bureaucracy that previously delayed compensation for months or even years.
Speaking during a public awareness meeting held on October 9, 2025, in Nding’ho Village, Ms. Salome Kambona, the Village Executive Officer, praised the initiative, saying it had brought much-needed relief to affected communities.
“We are grateful to the government for introducing this system. Under PAIS, any resident who suffers damage from wild animals has seven days to report the incident and initiate the compensation process,” said Ms. Kambona.
For Mr. Mosses Saguda, a farmer from Nyantugutu Village, the system has brought an end to years of frustration caused by bureaucratic red tape.
“We truly appreciate this new approach. It’s efficient, transparent, and saves time. Nowadays, payments are made directly through mobile money or bank transfers, unlike before when we had to wait up to a year,” he said.
However, Mr. Saguda appealed to the government to extend the compensation coverage to include crops destroyed after harvest and stored in granaries, arguing that post-harvest losses also severely affect rural livelihoods.
On his part, Mr. Nassoro Wawa, Principal Wildlife Officer from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, said the awareness campaign aims to equip villagers with knowledge on how to manage human-wildlife conflicts and understand the laws governing wildlife ownership and conservation.
“We also encouraged communities to explore legal opportunities to invest in the wildlife economy such as establishing game butcheries, wildlife gardens, or ranches so that they can benefit directly from conservation,” he said.
Simiyu Region has recently recorded several incidents involving elephants, hyenas, crocodiles, and hippos attacking people or destroying crops.
Through PAIS, the government hopes to strengthen coexistence between humans and wildlife while ensuring victims receive timely compensation.
The introduction of PAIS marks a major step in improving accountability, enhancing transparency, and promoting community confidence in the management of wildlife-related challenges across Tanzania.