LINDI: RESIDENTS of Nditi Village in Nachingwea District, Lindi Region, have started to experience the benefits of wildlife control stations manned by rangers from the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA).
They said the initiative has significantly reduced the invasion of dangerous and destructive wild animals, especially elephants.
Speaking on April 13, 2025, during a public awareness meeting on how to manage wildlife threats, residents expressed the establishment of a permanent ranger post in the area has brought peace and allowed them to resume farming without fear.
“Before this post was established, we lived in constant fear. But now, whenever elephants are spotted, we receive immediate help. TAWA has built us a station right here in Nditi, and we are very thankful,” said Saidi Juma Ngomo, a village resident.
He added that for the past four years, farmers lived in great fear while working on their farms, but the situation has greatly improved, and the community is beginning to understand the importance of close collaboration with wildlife rangers.
Residents have called on the government to increase the number of rangers and establish similar stations in other parts of the district to ensure the efforts to combat destructive wildlife are sustainable and more effective.
On his part, Nachingwea District Commissioner, Mr Mohamed Moyo, praised the Sixth Phase Government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to improve protection systems against dangerous wildlife.
“Through the district council, we have approved a budget to purchase bee drones to strengthen efforts in deterring elephants. This is a sincere commitment to protecting our people and their property,” said Mr. Moyo.
During the same meeting, Linus Chuwa, the Chief Conservation Officer for TAWA’s Southeastern Zone, said the authority has established five permanent ranger posts in areas heavily affected by human-elephant conflicts.
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He named the stations as Ngarambe (Rufiji), Milola (Lindi Municipality), Nditi (Nachingwea), Chingurunguru (Tunduru), and Ngumbu (Liwale). Each station is staffed with rangers equipped with specialized tools such as cold bombs and modern firearms used strictly for dispersing animals safely, without causing panic among villagers.
TAWA’s Public Relations Officer, Beatus Maganja, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising the needs of communities living near conservation areas by ensuring swift support whenever wildlife threats arise.
“The government will not remain silent while its people suffer because of elephants. We are fully prepared to ensure the safety of citizens and their property,” said Maganja.
The initiative marks a critical step toward long-term human-wildlife co-existence and provides a model for sustainable conservation efforts across Tanzania.
