Context

Opango Motsi is an Apindji community association located in southern Gabon. Like many rural communities, it suffered from human–wildlife conflict, particularly elephants destroying subsistence crops.

2023 Actions

• Installation of an electric fence with BOTF & Space For Giants.

• Training of villagers in fence maintenance.

• Encouragement to regroup crop fields (formerly scattered individually).

• Launch of new collective agricultural activities.

2024 Actions

• Consolidation of food crop production (cassava, plantain, maize).

• Surplus crops sold locally → direct source of income.

• Start of a beekeeping project to diversify IGAs.

• Funding and General Assembly on fishing + sugarcane activities.

Results

• Near-total elimination of crop destruction by elephants.

• Additional income generated through surplus production.

• Strengthened community cohesion (shift from individual plots → collective management).

Challenges

• Heavy dependence on fence maintenance (costs and organization).

• Need to strengthen the association’s administrative structure.

Perspectives

• Extend protection to additional plots.