An astonishing solution to protect crops in Kenya.
In the Tsavo region of Kenya, elephants are adored by tourists but feared by farmers. These giants, weighing several tons, can destroy months of hard work in just a few hours. This was the case for Charity Mwangome, a farmer who lost her crops to elephants. But one day, she found an unexpected solution: bees.
Save the Elephants, an organization, suggested using beehives to create natural fences. The bees, which buzz loudly and release a scent that elephants dislike, keep the animals away from the farms. A study showed that 86% of elephants avoid farms with beehives.
For many farmers, this method is a real help. For example, Mwanajuma Kibula witnessed an elephant quickly retreat as soon as it heard the buzz of the bees. In addition to protecting her crops, she also harvests honey, which helps her earn money to pay for her children’s school fees.
However, this method comes at a cost, and not all farmers can afford to install beehives. That’s why other solutions, such as noisy fences or repellents, are also being proposed. But these solutions are not always enough.
Elephants and farmers continue to look for ways to coexist in this beautiful region of Kenya.
