Swapo MP Katoma weighed down by jumbo concerns

CROP destruction by wild animals should be addressed if Namibia wants to prosper in the arenas of livestock and crop farming, a Swapo MP said on Monday.

Speaking in the National Council, Swapo’s Levy Katoma, the Regional Councillor for Okahao constituency in the Omusati Region, charged that wild animals were “frustrating farmers to fight poverty at their level”. He said livestock and crops were regularly being destroyed by elephants.”But despite the difficulties these farmers are going through, there is no compensation to meet them halfway,” Katoma complained.He said although wild animals are valuable tourist attractions, the destruction they cause should not be underestimated.In April, Environment and Tourism Minister Willem Konjore said his Ministry was finalising the Parks and Neighbours Policy and the Human Wildlife Conflict Management Policy, which will foster a more integrated approach to wildlife and park management.He said livestock and crops were regularly being destroyed by elephants.”But despite the difficulties these farmers are going through, there is no compensation to meet them halfway,” Katoma complained.He said although wild animals are valuable tourist attractions, the destruction they cause should not be underestimated.In April, Environment and Tourism Minister Willem Konjore said his Ministry was finalising the Parks and Neighbours Policy and the Human Wildlife Conflict Management Policy, which will foster a more integrated approach to wildlife and park management.