I am Ashura Rajabu, a dedicated conservationist with extensive experience in wildlife conservation. Currently, I work with the Grumeti Fund's Human-Wildlife Conflicts Mitigation Unit, focusing on sustainable solutions that benefit both local communities and wildlife. Through community engagement and education, we strive to reduce conflicts and promote coexistence. In my latest update, I participated in the Women in Conservation Technology (WiCT) program last year, gaining valuable insights into new technologies for wildlife monitoring and protection. Through this program I came up with an idea of constructing the most resilient bomas for alleviating human-carnivore conflicts, I am excited to apply this knowledge in my work at the Grumeti Fund and continuously seek ways to enhance our conservation efforts.

Highlighting Vulnerable Families. 

 Our preliminary study in the Bunda District, aimed at addressing human-carnivore conflict, identified key high-risk areas such as Hunyari village, where close proximity to wildlife habitats leads to frequent encounters with predators. Livestock predation by lions, leopards, and hyenas significantly impacts these communities, causing severe economic strain and food insecurity, as many families rely solely on their livestock for their livelihoods. By engaging with local communities, we gained crucial insights into their challenges and needs, which have been integral in shaping our project's design to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

Heartache on the Homestead: A Family's Struggle with Livestock Predation.

Among the many families we encountered, Mandira’s stood out due to their severe struggles with predator attacks on their livestock, their sole source of income. Living in Hunyari village, one of the nearest communities to the protected areas, with his wife and five children, Mr. Mandira has endured over five devastating incidents involving lions, leopards, and hyenas. Each attack threatens their survival, as the livestock are essential for feeding the family and sending the children to school. Financial constraints have left them unable to build a resilient boma, leaving their livestock vulnerable and their future uncertain. This dire situation underscores the urgent need for a solution to protect their livelihood and restore their sense of security.

Way forward With the preliminary study complete and our pilot family identified, our focus now shifts to the construction phase of the Resilient Boma. Our plan includes extensive Community Engagement initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of ownership among local residents. We are committed to using sustainable materials and providing comprehensive training and education on boma maintenance and predator deterrence techniques. We anticipate that the completion of the Resilient Boma will lead to a substantial decrease in livestock predation and associated economic losses. Moreover, it will enhance safety and provide peace of mind for the family and their community. Our ultimate goal is to create a model solution that can be replicated in other high-risk areas within the district, ensuring long-term resilience against human-carnivore conflicts.