Alleviate human/wildlife conflicts in Malawi

Thank you for your support of the Liwonde Project.

I was asked recently how and why we selected the Chickolongo Community for the fish farm. Initially we conducted an extensive survey among the four villages in the community. The results were overwhelmingly in favor of the project. Here are the conclusions from the survey:

1. 1.   The human animal conflict in Chikolongo village is intense and extremely destructive.  91% of our survey respondents had experienced conflict with wild life. 21 lives have been lost in the past 2 years.
   

1. 2.     The survey indicated a poor relationship between the village and the park authorities.  95% of respondents considered the electrified boundary fence to be ineffective.  (A new, state of the art electrified fence will ensure the safety of the fish farm)
   

1. 3.     Over 60% of respondents rely on the Shire River for their household water source.  This brings them into immediate conflict with the wild animals of the park.  93% of those that source water from the Shire need the water for their most basic daily human needs such as drinking, washing, and cooking.

1. 4.     Only 23% of respondents are involved in any small business and the major business challenge was cited as lack of capital.  In the light of this, it would appear that there is a real need for the MicroLoan Foundation to provide the small loans and the development of business skills and acumen within this marginalized community.

1. 5.     Fish is comfortably the main source of protein in the respondent’s diet.  98% of respondents indicated that the price of fish is increasing and 100% of respondents indicated that the fish population is steadily decreasing.

1. 6.     The survey results strongly indicated that a venture which improves the game park - community relationship, mitigates human /animal conflict, facilitates small business development, and provides a sustainable source of fish would be highly desirable.

Fundraising for the project is ongoing, both on and offline. Now that we are into the construction phase, your support is going to work as I write. Once Again, Many thanks.

Back to you in August.

Regards,

Linda

Links:

• http://www.microloanfoundationusa.org/special-projects