Zambezi: More than 560 incidents of human-wildlife conflict were recorded in the Zambezi Region during the 2025/26 period, marking a notable increase from the 411 cases reported during the previous year. Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi revealed these figures during her State of the Region Address on Monday, noting that while wildlife conservation and tourism remain vital economic drivers, the escalating friction between humans and wildlife continues to present a significant challenge.According to Namibia Press Agency, despite the increase in conflicts, the region's 15 conservancies managed to generate a total revenue of N$33 million through conservation hunting and joint tourism ventures. From this revenue, over N$3.7 million was reinvested directly into community development projects, boosting local infrastructure and livelihoods.To mitigate the ongoing conflict, the government and its partners have invested heavily in protective infrastructure. Ninety predator-proof kraals, valued at over N$1.4 million, were constructed with funding from the Human Wildlife Conflict-Community Livelihoods Development Project (Lifolofolo Ki Bupilo Project) and the Poverty-Oriented Support to Community Conservation in Namibia Project.Water infrastructure also received a significant boost to support both communities and conservation. Under the Poverty Oriented Support to Community Conservation in Namibia Project, 13 boreholes were drilled across the Balyerwa, Dzoti, Mashi, Sobbe, and Wuparo conservancies. Additionally, seven new boreholes were drilled and two existing ones were rehabilitated at a cost exceeding N$4 million. Funded through KfW under the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area initiative, these water projects aim to support conservation agriculture gardens and promote regional food security.However, the governor highlighted that structural challenges still threaten the sustainability of these programmes. Overlapping borders of traditional authorities have sparked concerns regarding fair benefit-sharing wi thin various conservancies, which has negatively impacted community trust and participation in conservation efforts.Beyond conservation, Kabula-Simushi noted that the region is prioritising rural electrification, road maintenance, and rehabilitation. Progress is however hampered by persistent regional challenges, including annual flooding, youth unemployment, a shortage of operational police and hospital vehicles, cross-border crimes, overfishing, wildfires, and land disputes. 'These challenges are not roadblocks; they are calls for action,' the governor emphasised.