Hippos and elephants have invaded some maize fields at Malombe irrigation scheme in Sioma District of Western Province.



In response to the destruction, residents are appealing to relevant authorities to act to deter the animals from invading the fields, especially at night, as further damage to their crops could have dire consequences.



Malombe irrigation scheme outgoing Chairperson, Masiye Masiye disclosed that the animals started destroying the maize crops when their wire fence was damaged.



“It is unfortunate that the hippos whose population in the area has increased, have destroyed crops which were meant to assist farmers and add to the food security in the area,” Mr Masiye said.



He has since called on the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to consider removing the hippos to mitigate the problem.



Malombe Irrigation Scheme Publicity Secretary, Lishomwa Liywali also echoed similar sentiments, warning that if the situation remained unaddressed, the animals would continue to wreak havoc on their fields.



“We need to be assisted in scaring away these animals because if we do not, it will lead to poor harvests,” Mr Liywali said.



The residents also appealed to the government and other stakeholders for assistance in maintaining their irrigation system, which is currently destroyed.



Meanwhile, National Parks and Wildlife Western Province Senior Warden, Pharod Moonga urged residents to refrain from growing crops near riverbanks.



In an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), Mr Moonga emphasised the importance of following the department’s guidance, which includes planting chili to deter elephants and constructing embankments around their fields to prevent hippos from invading.



“The challenge we face is that people often do not adhere to our advice, as they expect us to always monitor their fields, which is impossible because we are understaffed,” he stated.