Climate-Smart Agriculture and Human–Elephant Conflict in Southern Kenya: Intercropping With Use of a Metal Strip Deterrent Fence

Abstract

Elephant deterrent fences have become a popular strategy to mitigate human-elephant conflict in agricultural areas. It is unknown whether the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices like intercropping could influence elephant behaviour and therefore the effectiveness of these fences. In this study in southern Kenya, the success of the Kasaine metal strip fence was compared between intercropped and monocropped fields. Results support previous research, as the Kasaine fence remained effective, suggesting the adoption of intercropping is unlikely to drastically change elephant crop foraging behaviour.