Cabinda – Herds of elephants are destroying agricultural fields, putting production at risk, in the municipality of Belize, Province of Cabinda.
Belize farmers said that the devastation of large hectares of crops by mammals could jeopardize the current agricultural season. Banana, cocoa, cassava and fruit crops are the most targeted.
Speaking to ANGOP on Tuesday, farmer Pedro Nsuami, owner of an agricultural field of around 5 hectares, expressed concern about the action of mammals, which is why he is asking for help from the authorities.
He stated that if some urgent measures are not taken, food shortages could affect families in the municipality of Belize, who depend on agriculture for their survival.
Maria Mabiala, a peasant, said that the devastation of agricultural fields by wild animals is causing a shortage of products in the district and the consequent increase in the prices of goods.
“The situation started in May this year. Contacts have been made with technicians from the Forestry Development Institute in the municipality, but, unfortunately, a solution has not yet been found to scare away the herds”, she said.
The municipality of Belize has an estimated population of more than 24,000 inhabitants, who are dedicated to the cultivation of cassava, bananas, sweet potatoes, coffee, beans, cocoa, corn, among other products.
JFC/JL/CF/jmc
