Vodafone, in collaboration with Safaricom and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), is pioneering an innovative solution to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in Kenya. This initiative addresses the challenges that arise when wildlife and human communities overlap, often leading to dangerous encounters and retaliatory actions. With climate change and habitat loss exacerbating these conflicts, the need for effective solutions is more pressing than ever.
The project, known as m-Twiga, leverages advanced IoT and AI technologies to offer an early warning system for wildlife encounters. Named after the Swahili word for giraffe, m-Twiga utilizes a 360-degree camera system that detects and identifies animals in the vicinity. When an animal is spotted, the system sends an SMS alert to wildlife rangers and activates deterrents like flashing lights or specific sounds to prevent conflict.
Field tests conducted in Kenya’s Mara Siana Community Conservancy have provided valuable data, enhancing the AI’s ability to identify wildlife more accurately. This technology not only aids in protecting local communities but also contributes to the broader conservation efforts by improving our understanding of animal behavior and movement.
Vodafone’s partnership with WWF extends beyond this project, demonstrating a commitment to various environmental initiatives. These include installing infrared cameras in South Africa to prevent whale entanglements and the One Million Phones for the Planet program, which promotes the recycling of mobile devices. Through these efforts, Vodafone is contributing significantly to global biodiversity and sustainability goals.


