Chilli Farming

On the southeastern edge of Zimbabwe, where communities live alongside the vast wilderness of Gonarezhou National Park, people and wildlife share a landscape rich in natural heritage. For generations, local communities in Chiredzi have faced a common challenge. As elephant populations move through their traditional migratory routes, they often enter nearby fields insearch of food and water, resulting in crop losses and threatening household food security. But rather than viewing elephants as enemies, these communities have embraced an innovative and sustainable solution that promotes coexistence between people and wildlife. The answer lies in chilli farming. Across the area, farmers are cultivating chilli peppers, creating both a source of income and a natural deterrent to elephant crop raiding. The harvested chillies are pounded and mixed with elephant dung to produce what are known as chilli bombs. Once dried and carefully burnt, these chilli bombs release a pungent smoke that elephants find highly irritating. The result is simple yet effective. The elephants are safely guided away from the fields without harm, protecting both crops and wildlife. This community-led initiative is proving that conservation and livelihoods can go hand in hand. Beyond protecting their harvests, chilli farming has become an important source of income for many households. Families are earning money, improving their livelihoods, and investing in brighter futures for their children through education. The impact extends even further. The chillies grown by these farmers are supplied to Nando's, where they are processed into some of the signature spices that have become famous around the world. What begins in the fields of Chiredzi eventually reaches dining tables far beyond Zimbabwe's borders. This remarkable partnership demonstrates how conservation can create opportunities for local people while safeguarding wildlife. Here, communities are showing that living alongside nature is not only possible, it can be beneficial for both people and wildlife. By turning a conservation challenge into an economic opportunity, these communities are building resilience, securing livelihoods, and creating a future where elephants and people thrive together. This is conservation beyond protection. This is coexistence in action.