EPDT runs training in Community-based Problem Animal Control methods. Participants from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, DRC, Kenya, Gabon, CAR, Ghana and Lao-PDR, Cambodia and Thailand have attended our trainings.

The training programme has been designed to train field extension staff in techniques for reducing conflict between farmers and elephants. The training has been organised by Elephant Pepper Development Trust and funded by the Wildlife Conservation Society. The goal of this training is to mitigate the impact of human-elephant conflict upon rural farmers by two means: first by introducing innovative strategies to protect crops, and second, by improving livelihoods through the introduction of viable cash crops, and the exploration of wider commercial ventures.

This course focuses upon crop protection, and trains participants in community-based methods of problem animal control, which were first developed in Zimbabwe and have been used to successfully reduce elephant crop damage in other countries in Africa. The techniques involved are low technology and utilise cheap, available materials. It is anticipated that on completion of the training the participants will have the necessary skills and knowledge to introduce crop protection strategies to farmers within their own project environments.

The course explores the background and history of human-wildlife conflict and uses present-day examples from around the world. It encourages the participants to review current Problem Animal Control (PAC) methods, and assess their effectiveness using a number of criteria. It describes the development of Community-Based PAC (CBPAC) and demonstrates the construction and maintenance of each technique in a field situation. Finally, the quantitative and qualitative methods of project evaluation are described, and guidelines as to the correct procedures to engage with communities are outlined. The training media includes participatory discussions, lectures and practical demonstrations.