The H.EL.P. (Human Elephant Peace) Nepal project, implemented by Ujyalo Nepal in collaboration with Compass Films France and Grow Back for Posterity Myanmar, successfully introduced seasonal electric crop fence training in the Bardiya region of Nepal. This pilot initiative aimed to reduce human-elephant conflict by protecting farmland from elephant raids using affordable and sustainable electric fences. A total of 26 participants: including villagers, government staff, and Ujyalo trainers were trained, resulting in the installation of three pilot fences. These fences effectively safeguarded over 150 acres of rice crops, achieving a 100% protection rate and increasing crop yields by up to 24% in the first season. The project also promoted community involvement, with villagers taking responsibility for fence maintenance and forming committees to monitor elephant movement and fence operation.

The pilot's success demonstrated that low-cost, locally-sourced fence materials—such as bamboo and galvanized wire—could offer an economically viable and scalable solution for farmers in high-conflict areas. Ujyalo Nepal also began developing educational kits and training videos in Nepali to support future fence installations and elephant safety education. Surveys showed substantial increases in crop yields across various crops, with corn yields rising by up to 25% during the second season. These results not only proved the method's effectiveness but also showed its potential to significantly boost rural incomes. Given this success, the project is now preparing to expand nationally across Nepal, with plans for broader community training, ongoing R&D, and inclusion of additional conservation elements such as promoting elephant-friendly crops.

Project based Staff:

Chirayu Thapa

(Survey and Data Collection)

Ganesh Bahadur Thapa

(Administrative and Finance Officer)