Fencing of Akagera will reduce human-wildlife conflict

Editor, The Rwanda Development Board’s move to demarcate the Akagera national park’s boundaries is indeed timely.I live near the Akagera Park and straying wild animals have caused havoc among the surrounding communities. For instance, I narrowly survived death recently when I ran into a buffalo.

Thursday, June 02, 2011
A buffalo in Akagera N.P; Following the electric fencing of the park, animals will no longer stray into residentsu2019 farms. (File Photo)

Editor,

The Rwanda Development Board’s move to demarcate the Akagera national park’s boundaries is indeed timely.

I live near the Akagera Park and straying wild animals have caused havoc among the surrounding communities. For instance, I narrowly survived death recently when I ran into a buffalo.

Conversely, since we stay close to the park, animals regularly stray and feed on our crops and occasionally end up injuring people.

At one point, a 38-year-old man was admitted at Rwinkwavu Hospital after a buffalo attacked and seriously injured him. The incident caused a lot of panic in the area.

The electric fencing will,  therefore, be a key deterrent as this will enable us to go about our daily activities without fear.

I am also glad that the affected families have been offered compensation to buy seeds and plant crops, since the the animals destroyed the previous harvests.

Justin Nzaramba
Rwamagana