This trial study was one of the activities of the first phase of a research network aimed at building partnerships across disciplines and developing genuine engagement between the regional communities/public and relevant environmental scientists. The trial explored the issue of human- wildlife interaction, a topical issue that affects local development like grassroots livelihood, the tourism industry, food production, wildlife management. The trial looked into ways of managing the interaction, especially, the elephant-human interaction. Mmadinare was selected for the trial research area for this study. The study on human-wildlife interaction has relevance to the Mmadinare region, because of the persistent occurrence and negative effects of such interactions. This pilot research was intended to establish the extent of the human-wildlife interactions and explore strategies that can be devised to address this problem and safeguard the species from the imminent threat of extinction. This qualitative study adopted a community-based approach because it took place at Mmadinare community and fully engaged community members through their village leaders (chiefs/Dikgosi).
Furthermore, this trial study confirms earlier findings by other studies on the subject that human wildlife conflicts impact negatively on socio-economic livelihoods of people. The trial project explored the potential of production of the chilli pepper within a designated community farm in Botswana as a means of promoting i) human wildlife interaction and consequently co-existence and ii) improvement of rural livelihoods. However, the community
preferred a nature reserve where they can diversify their activities and include chilli pepper production. Based on the results, researchers recommended specific strategies that could be used to improve the welfare of Mmadinare community: Among these strategies is to engage all stakeholders within the community in identifying mutual objectives regarding conservation of natural resources and the welfare of the community

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