An agreement signed between Space for Giants and the Gabonese Ministry of Agriculture
Eric Chehoski, Country Director of Space for Giants Gabon, and the General Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture
Libreville - 05 September 2024 – On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, the General Directorate of Agriculture and the international charity Space for Giants signed an agreement to collaborate on the installation and monitoring of solar mobile electric fences for cooperatives, associations, and other formal or informal groups operating in the agricultural sector. This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration to develop sustainable solutions to mitigate human-elephant conflict and promote agricultural development in Gabon.
This partnership was partly initiated by an agricultural project funded by the African Development Bank. By joining forces, Space for Giants and the Ministry of Agriculture aim to provide an effective response to a continuing crisis that profoundly impacts rural communities in Gabon, and could be a driving force for agricultural self-sufficiency in the country.
‘‘Gabon is firmly committed to increasing its agricultural production. Current policies aim for the country to achieve food and nutritional security. This partnership will allow us to secure various agricultural areas and productions, and, as a result, enhance the value of the products from the different stakeholders on the ground, who are facing the intrusion of pachyderms into their farms,’’ expressed the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Serge Rufin Okana.
Space for Giants will be responsible for installing electric fences and training end-user farmers and Ministry personnel in fence operation, maintenance, and data collection. Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Agriculture will raise awareness among local communities regarding the process for obtaining electric fences and ensure that data collection follows SFG protocols. The Ministry will also establish the methodology for transparently identifying and selecting farmers or cooperatives benefitting from this project.
This partnership embodies a multisectoral and inclusive approach, essential for resolving a conflict that threatens not only food security but also the economic stability of rural communities. Together, the Directorate of Agriculture and Space for Giants are committed to safeguarding the livelihoods of Gabonese farmers and fostering a future where humans and elephants can coexist.
‘‘Finding solutions to human-elephant conflict requires multisectoral partners. For Space for Giants, building this relationship with the Ministry of Agriculture is crucial, as this crisis primarily affects agricultural areas,’’ stated Eric Chehoski, Country Director of Space for Giants Gabon.
As the lead technical partner in mitigating human-elephant conflict for the government of the Gabonese Republic, Space for Giants plays a crucial role in alleviating a socio-economic and food security crisis. As of August 31, 2024, the organization has installed 857 fences across 39 of Gabon's 48 departments, benefiting 11,796 farmers.
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