Wild Africa has taken a major step in strengthening human and wildlife coexistence in Zimbabwe through the launch of the Ndebele language version of Wildlife Info, an AI powered WhatsApp tool that delivers instant guidance to communities living close to wildlife. The new rollout follows the strong national response to the English version introduced in September 2024, which attracted more than 17,000 active users and proved how essential accessible conservation information has become.
Zimbabwe hosts the second largest elephant population in the world, along with other iconic species that frequently interact with expanding rural settlements. As climate change fuels hotter, drier seasons and communities increase small scale farming, conflicts involving elephants, lions, crocodiles, hyenas and hippos have risen sharply. The results include crop destruction, livestock losses, property damage and serious risk to human life, as well as harm to the animals themselves. In this environment, accurate information delivered in a language people understand is not just helpful, it is transformative.
Wildlife Info provides practical coexistence guidance directly through WhatsApp, a platform used by millions of Zimbabweans. Developed by Wild Africa with expert content from Save the Elephants and Wildlife Conservation Action, the tool offers behaviour safety tips, conflict reduction techniques, visual guides, crime reporting information and an interactive quiz that rewards users with data. The initiative is supported by the Elephant Crisis Fund and is implemented in partnership with ZimParks.
Many of the most common requests from users involve learning safer ways to respond to elephants, reporting injured wildlife, and finding ways to reduce crop and livestock losses. For rural families living on the edge of protected areas, such guidance can determine whether a season brings stability or crisis.
Wild Africa CEO Peter Knights said the addition of the Ndebele version significantly strengthens the tool’s reach. The strong uptake of the English rollout showed how valuable Wildlife Info is as an on demand resource for communities living near wildlife, he noted, and making it available in Ndebele ensures that more people can use the information easily and confidently.
Save the Elephants Coexistence Director, Dr Lucy King, highlighted the importance of local language communication. She said elephants can be difficult neighbours, and that providing clear, practical tools in a familiar language empowers communities to coexist more peacefully and safely. She added that both people and elephants deserve to live in harmony.
Near Hwange National Park, where human and wildlife conflict is frequent, the tool has been welcomed as a long awaited solution. Ndlelende Ncube, Director of Tikobane Trust, said the Ndebele translation removes a major access barrier for many community members who do not speak English. He added that the installation of Starlink at the community learning hub is enabling free WiFi access, allowing more people to use the tool and explore conflict mitigation strategies.
Wild Africa Zimbabwe Country Manager, Farai Chapoterera, who has been training communities on how to use Wildlife Info, said local language support has immediately increased engagement. Speaking to people in their own language, he noted, not only builds trust but also expands the tool’s safety impact across high risk zones.
The Ndebele rollout is being promoted through public service announcements featuring ambassadors Sandra Ndebele and Mzoe 7, while English PSAs have been refreshed by personalities including Tariro Gezi, Rumbidzai Takawira and Moreangels Mbizah. Continuous support is also provided by Voltz, Samantha MisRed Musa, Hilton Mudariki and Butterphly. Television inserts, radio messages and social media outreach are ensuring that more households learn how to access the tool.
By breaking language barriers and delivering expert guidance directly into the hands of rural communities, Wildlife Info is becoming one of the most practical digital tools for reducing human and wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe. The expansion into Ndebele marks a significant turning point in community protection, conservation communication and the long term coexistence of people and wildlife.
