Summary of the impact

Research (2006-10) led by Adams and Graham on the management of human-elephant conflict — a significant problem with wider implications for livelihoods and conservation — had direct effects on policy-making and practice in the project area (Laikipia), in Kenya nationally, and across East Africa. Specific impacts included:

• Adoption of farm-based deterrents against elephant crop raids in the project area (Laikipia);
• Adoption of protocols for electric fence management along 84km of the West Laikipia Fence;
• A significant reduction in elephant crop raiding;
• Foundation of a new non-governmental organisation, Space for Giants, and its subsequent work with stakeholder communities in applying the insights from the pioneering research in Kenya;
• Influencing policy on international collaboration and trans-frontier arrangements for elephant conservation in East Africa.

Summary of the impact

Rats are responsible for massive damage through crop destruction, stored food consumption and disease transmission. Steven Belmain's research on ecology and management of rodents has increased understanding in a neglected field. He has helped mitigate a regional famine and save lives during a rodent population outbreak in South Asia, and changed national policy and practice in South Africa. He has demonstrated how an African city can reduce zoonoses, and how damage to crops can be dramatically reduced. He has shown how communities can transform health and livelihoods if they work together and that rat-damage can be managed sustainably without using poisons.