Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has partnered with Vodafone and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to unveil an innovative AI-powered solution called m-Twiga, aimed at mitigating human-wildlife conflict. This advanced system leverages cutting-edge 360-camera technology, integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and identify animals in the vicinity.
When an animal is detected, m-Twiga responds by sending an SMS alert to wildlife rangers and activating deterrents like flashing lights or specific sounds to ward off the animal. The system's objective is to prevent dangerous encounters between humans and wildlife, safeguarding both parties.
Human-wildlife conflict arises when animals and humans encroach on each other's territories or compete for the same resources, often leading to tragic outcomes. Animals may attack people, destroy crops, or kill livestock, which can result in retaliatory killings of the animals.
Climate change and shrinking habitats exacerbate these conflicts, making innovative solutions like m-Twiga crucial for coexistence. Data reveals that between 2017 and 2020, wild animals killed 388 Kenyans and injured nearly 2,100.
After successful trials at the UK’s Longleat Safari Park, the m-Twiga team conducted their first field test in Kenya’s Mara Siana Community Conservancy. According to WWF Kenya, over 60 per cent of the country’s wildlife resides on community and private lands outside protected areas, where conflicts are most prevalent.