Chili Fences: A Game-Changer in Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation
In Zimbabwe’s Hwange District, an innovative solution is helping to mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC) and change the lives of local communities. Chili fences are a non-lethal method of protecting crops and reducing conflicts between humans and elephants. The chili fence strategy was made possible by the generous support of Connected Conservation, who donated chili fence materials. By working hand-in-hand with local communities, the initiative has significantly reduced human-elephant conflict.
Chili fences are simply pieces of string infused with oil produced from chili peppers. When elephants approach crop field fences, they tend to smell with their trunks before crossing. When they touch the oil-infused strings, the elephants receive an unpleasant shock that deters them from crossing the fence into the field.
According to the Hwange Rural District Council’s Environmental Department Problem Animal Report Book (2025), reported crop damage cases by elephants decreased from 260 in 2023 to 90 in 2024, after chili fences were erected in some areas. The number of elephants killed as ‘problem animals’ also decreased from 95 to 21 in the same period. One person was killed by elephants in 2023, while there were no deaths in 2024. These statistics demonstrate a significant improvement in managing human-elephant conflict.
The fences are installed with the help of local communities and Hwange Rural District Council rangers. In areas like Kachecheti Ward, the use of chili fences has proven to be a game-changer in protecting fields from elephant encroachment. Since the villagers in Kachecheti Ward started constructing and maintaining chili fences around their fields, no incidents of fences being broken by elephants have been reported.
One community member noted, “The use of chili fence helps us to curb human-elephant conflicts. An elephant won’t cross the string or rope – once it detects the chili scent, it stops trying to enter the fields.”
To ensure long-term sustainability, communities need to grow their own chili pepper plants at household level. They currently receive chilis from a garden supported by Connected Conservation. Planting chilis in their own gardens will reduce reliance on external donations and ensure a steady supply of chili-infused strings. By working hand-in-hand with local communities, this initiative has significantly reduced human-elephant conflict. Using innovative solutions like chili fences, we can help reduce human-elephant conflict and promote the long-term survival of wildlife populations.
