Kenyan farmers turn to sesame and beehives to deter elephants
Nature-based methods reduce crop losses as wildlife numbers recover
TAITA-TAVETA, Kenya (MNTV) — Farmers in southern Kenya are using sesame crops and beehive fences to protect their fields from elephants, as the country’s elephant population rebounds after decades of poaching.
Each adult elephant can eat more than 150 kg (330 pounds) of vegetation daily, and crop raids have increased, particularly between October and January, in regions along historic migration routes.
“Elephants used to raid my farm all the time,” said farmer Getrude Jackim. “Now, I plant sesame because they don’t eat it. It’s a safer crop for me.”
Sesame’s strong scent appears to repel elephants, while beehive fences take advantage of the animals’ fear of bees. The hives also provide farmers with extra income from honey sales.
Kenya Wildlife Service says elephant numbers are rising, but human settlement and infrastructure continue to block migration paths, causing conflict. Conservation groups are urging broader adoption of nonlethal deterrents, such as chili fences and beehives, to protect both farmers and elephants.
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