Cuthbert Mashoko
A worrying situation is brewing in the arid district of Mwenezi as human, animal conflict is now on the rise with baboons joining the fray due to lack of food.
The situation has reached a crescendo especially in Bhukuvhani and Chirimigwa villages in Mwenezi, under Chief Neshuro, highlighting the devastating impact of El Niño-induced drought on rural communities as the baboons are now marauding for food in homes.
The baboons, having depleted their food sources in Zhanje Mountain, are now invading nearby villages in search of food.
Typically, baboons would raid villagers’ fields during the rainy season, targeting green maize, but this is no longer the case as they now invade granaries and kitchen huts taking away food.
However, this year’s poor rainfall and high temperatures have left farmers’ efforts in ruins. Chirimigwa and Bhukuvhani, located at the foot of Zhanje Mountain, have become frequent targets for these marauding baboons.
The raids have resulted in villagers losing chickens and stored grain as baboons help themselves to granaries.
“Baboons are giving us anxious moments. We can no longer leave our homes unattended, as many villagers have lost their chickens and food to the baboons,” said Purusayi Bhukuvhani.
Rosemary Katambo, a mother of three, described the challenges she faces: “I can no longer go about my daily routines in peace. Whenever I leave to fetch water or gather firewood, the baboons seize the opportunity to invade. While some leave their children to keep watch, I cannot risk my children’s safety that way”.
For school-age children in Bhukuvhani and Chirimigwa, this holiday is different; they must stay alert to deter the baboons.
This situation robs them of valuable study time.
“It’s a different holiday. I no longer have time to prepare for my upcoming examinations because I have to be on the lookout for the marauding baboons,” said a Grade 7 learner at St. Vitalis Primary School.
The dire circumstances that the villagers find themselves in illustrate the adverse effects of climate change, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict. As the frequency worsens, there is concern that the baboons may become more aggressive and pose a real danger to humans.
In a related incident in Gwanda last year, a baboon snatched a baby but was fortunately rescued by the mother. Dr. Shadreck Ndinde, a lecturer at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), emphasized the importance of caution when interacting with baboons.
“This unfortunate scenario highlights the rising conflict between humans and wildlife. As the effects of the El Niño-induced drought worsen, the baboons are likely to become more vicious. The elders can use traditional methods to deter the baboons or report to Zimparks,” advised Dr. Ndinde.
