Tech-savvy girls (12) in human-wildlife solution breakthrough
WITH Save Valley Conservancy straddling the greater parts of Chisumbanje and Birchenough Bridge, the province remains at risk of the devastating human-wildlife conflict, especially from elephants.
About 20 people across the country were killed by elephants last year, according to Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).
In an interview, ZimParks spokesperson, Mr Tinashe Farawo said three people have so far been killed by elephants in 2024, while eight were injured.
He said habitat encroachment, climate change and poaching have disrupted the balance between humans and wildlife, leading to a surge in conflicts.
As a result, ZimParks in 2022 issued permits for the transfer of 2 640 animals, which included 400 elephants from Save Valley Conservancy to three other national parks – Sapi, Chizarira and Matusadona.
Despite the move, the remaining elephants continue wreaking havoc in human territory.
Mr Farawo said recent surveys indicate that Save Valley Conservancy has 1 885 elephants.
Elephants and hyenas have become a source of terror for communities near the conservancy. They ravage crops, devour livestock, destroy homes and kill people. Despite protection efforts, the conflict persists.
And the communities remain desperate for a solution. Mr Farawo said human-wildlife conflict in Manicaland has been a long-standing issue, with communities living in fear of wildlife encroachment.
“Elephants are an integral part of our wildlife heritage, and finding a solution to human-wildlife conflict is crucial for their conservation, which is why we have collaring of animals as another way of mitigating the human-wildlife conflict. These collars allow ZimParks to track animals which would have strayed from the parks and alert the villagers,” he said.
As a result, two innovative Grade Six learners from Milestone Group of Schools – Zoe Mderere and Netariro Vengai (both 12 years)– have dared to dream for a solution to this annoying problem.
The tech-savvy girls developed a revolutionary animal collar that can alert communities of potential human-wildlife conflicts, offering a glimmer of hope to the region torn apart by unprovoked animal attacks.
They commenced their research while in Grade Four in 2022, and came up with the innovative idea in May 2023. They have been developing it ever since.
Their collar alerts community members directly, with an application made available to the community members instead of ZimParks officials.
Showcasing their project at the recently held International Girls in ICT Day last Friday, the pre-teen girls were the only school-going learners who showcased their dexterity, among telecommunication giants like NetOne, Telecel and Econet.
Netariro Vengai said the innovative solution has potential to restore peace and harmony in human-wildlife afflicted communities.
It has the potential to become a game-changer in the battle to mitigate the conflict.
“We designed a revolutionary collar that can be worn by animals, specifically elephants and hyenas, to alert communities of potential human-wildlife conflicts, and we believe that by addressing the root causes of the conflict and finding sustainable solutions, we can work towards a future where humans and wildlife can coexist peacefully.
“The collar, wired and controlled through a mobile app, sends notifications to communities when an animal is approaching, enabling them to take necessary precautions. This technology has the potential to save countless lives and reduce tensions between humans and wildlife,” she said.
She said they were inspired by the International Girls in ICT Day, which celebrates girls’ achievements in technology.
“We wanted to showcase our project and demonstrate that girls can also excel in ICTs. We are glad to inspire other girls through this kind of innovation,” she said.
Zoe Mderere said their innovation offers solution to the human-wildlife conflict that has been affecting the province.
“Technology can be the answer, hence our quest to develop the iconic collar. We want to lessen or even rule out cases where people end up losing their lives due to animals,” she said.
Their teacher, Mr Tobias Myambo said the duo’s inspiration stems from the recent surge in human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in Buhera, Mutare and Makoni districts where hyenas have been ravaging human settlements, killing people and livestock.
“Elephants and hyenas have been encroaching into human settlements, resulting in devastating consequences, which include loss of human life and livestock. Their innovation aims to address this pressing conflict,” he said.
Mr Myambo said they are still fine tuning the technology with a view of unveiling it to the ministries of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services and Environment Climate and Wildlife so that the country can benefit from the innovation.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Dr Torerai Moyo said they are in full support of initiatives that promote gender equality in digital technologies. He said the fact that the girl child is being innovative and creating solutions to problems confronting the country shows that she has a crucial role to play in the digital space.
“STEM education plays a pivotal role in shaping our future. It empowers individuals to think critically, solve complex problems and embrace innovation.
This is a global day to encourage young women to pursue careers in the ICTs,” he said.
Minister Moyo said Government will provide equal opportunities for girls and boys so that they continue to create helpful innovations and solutions to problems facing the country.