By Saidi Lufune, Dodoma
Tanzania’s government has intensified efforts to protect people and their property from dangerous wildlife, as part of a national strategy to manage growing conflicts between humans and animals, a senior official said on Wednesday.
Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hamad Hassan Chande told parliament in Dodoma that the government had prioritised safeguarding communities affected by crop-raiding and life-threatening animals, particularly elephants.
He was responding to a question from Handeni lawmaker Charles Jacob Sungura, who sought clarification on measures being taken to address elephant attacks and crop destruction in the areas of Mzeli, Sindeni and Kwamatuku.
Chande said steps taken included establishing a permanent wildlife ranger post in Handeni to enable rapid response to incidents, strengthening patrols to control dangerous animals, and expanding the use of modern technologies such as drones.
He added that the government was also continuing to educate communities on wildlife-friendly methods of protection.
He further said that in the 2025/26 financial year, the government had begun drafting national guidelines for the use of solar-powered electric fences and similar technologies, aimed at standardising infrastructure that has already shown success in several African countries and in parts of Tanzania, including along the boundary between the Ikorongo Wildlife Management Area and neighbouring villages.