Laikipia Elephant Project - University of Cambridge Department of ...

Scene IV
Jikaze and Badilisha are working on Jikaze’s plot erecting a range of elephant deterrents.
There is a perimeter fence with mutton cloth hang on it. There is a spotlight, and a banger
stick
Badilisha:
Jikaze
Badilisha
Jikaze
Badilisha
Jikaze
Faster, my friend, we need to set up this plot before darkness. This time we
must not let the elephant destroy our crops without taking an active defense.
But Badilisha, will they really work?
There is only one way of knowing, by trying them. Do you remember the project
man [or woman depending on who presented the methods] said that no
single method is one hundred percent but when used in combination they make a
difference?
What do you mean?
You need to use a combination of methods to keep elephants out of the farm.
Remember these are very clever animals so we need to stay ahead of them all
the time.
You are sounding very intelligent there, but maybe just less intelligent than the
elephants. How can we apply all this methods?
(Kifagio walks towards the two)
Badilisha
Kifagio
Jikaze
Badilisha
Kifagio
Bure kabisa, Mrs Free Everything is here.
Now, what in God’s name has gotten into you? What are these strings, torches,
walking sticks, chili, and elephant dung for? Are you people trying to practice
witchcraft on elephants or what?
Ask him, he was about to explain!
I will say two things to you. One, I am glad you delivered your baby safely and
two it is time to close the store. No more babies for you, the tax payer is feeling
the pinch of paying for your free everything
We didn’t come here to talk about babies. You talk rubbish most of the time
anyway. No wonder she left you.
Jikaze
Hey, you two stop! It’s obvious you don’t like each other but this is neither the
time nor the place. We have work to do. Explain Badilisha
Badilisha
Kifagio
Badilisha
I am sorry my dear. As I was saying, we need to use a combination of measures
like the spotlights, an early warning system which is what I am setting with a
bicycle alarm here, and also defend our farms in a more coordinated manner to
avoid opportunistic attacks by elephants.
I certainly won’t put that paraphernalia in my farm. When you are finished doing
this, your farm will look like some bored kindergarten children made it their
playground
Go away woman, there are always people like you in the society, and if you don’t
put a defense around your farm you are helping the elephants attack the farms
of those who have, because your farm presents the path of least resistance
Laikipia Elephant Project Working Paper 4 / Page 18