Tanzanian is ramping up the use of technology, including electric fencing, to protect communities near wildlife areas from elephant incursions, an official said on Monday.

Hamad Hassan Chande, deputy minister for natural resources and tourism, told parliament in Dodoma that the government and conservation partners plan to install an electrified fence along the western boundary of the Maswa Game Reserve.

The move aims to prevent elephants from straying into residential areas and causing damage to crops, property, and loss of life, Chande said. The deputy minister made the remark while responding to a lawmaker’s query regarding frequent elephant raids in several villages, including Ng’hanga, Mwambongo and Matale.

Chande added that the government is prioritising modern technology and integrated approaches to address persistent human-wildlife conflicts in areas adjacent to protected reserves.

• A Tell Media / Xinhua report