Government Boosts Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Payments

The Environment, Forestry and Tourism ministry has announced an increase in compensation payments under the human-wildlife conflict self-reliance scheme, effective September 1 this year. MEFT Minister Pohamba Shifeta revealed that permanent disability payments will rise from N$50,000 to N$100,000, while compensation for injuries without body part losses will increase from N$10,000 to N$15,000. Payments for injuries with body part losses will go up from N$30,000 to N$40,000. Livestock and crop damage compensation rates have also been adjusted. However, funeral expense compensation remains at N$100,000, unchanged since 2018. The revisions aim to better support communities and farmers affected by wildlife-related losses.