Our Projects
Project 7 - Tanzania
How Many Elephants is a female-led organization advancing gender equity in wildlife conservation across Sub-Saharan Africa. With a core focus on empowering women on the frontlines, the organization supports and sustains all-female ranger units who play a critical role in protecting wildlife and preserving vital ecosystems. As the global movement of female rangers continues to gain momentum, How Many Elephants remains instrumental in championing these programs, creating pathways for economic independence, and long-term conservation.
Wild Survivors was founded on the belief that coexistence-driven solutions are essential to mitigating human-elephant conflict. Operating in Tanzania, the organization has developed one of the first self-sustaining conservation models that protects both elephants and rural livelihoods. By implementing innovative strategies such as beehive fences and safeguarding wildlife corridors, Wild Survivors helps prevent crop destruction while reducing the risk of retaliatory harm to elephants.
In partnership, How Many Elephants, Wild Survivors are expanding this impact by training women in beekeeping within communities where beehive fences are in place. This initiative not only strengthens conservation efforts but also creates sustainable income opportunities for the women serving as key agents of change in protecting wildlife and supporting their communities.
Central to this approach are the beehive fences, an innovative, nature-based deterrent that leverages elephants’ natural aversion to bees. Beehives are strategically suspended along the edges of farmland and connected by wire; when elephants attempt to enter, they disturb the line, causing the hives to swing and release bees. The sound and threat of bee stings encourage elephants to retreat, protecting local farmers’ crops without causing harm to the animals.
Beyond preventing human-elephant conflict, the fences also create environmental and economic benefits for surrounding communities. The bees support pollination, helping improve crop yields and biodiversity, while the honey produced provides an additional source of income for local families and women-led businesses.
TMF traveled to the Mpanda region of Tanzania to sponsor and help build over 2 kilometers of beehive fencing along the border of Katavi National Park, working directly alongside local community members to support a sustainable conservation solution that benefits both people and wildlife.
