Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to a future where people and wildlife thrive together in harmony.
Preservation Through Innovation
The survival of our wildlife is a matter of grave concern to all of us in Africa.
These wild creatures amid the wild places they inhabit are not only important as a source of wonder and inspiration but are an integral part of our natural resources and our future livelihood and well-being. In accepting the trusteeship of our wildlife, we solemnly declare that we will do everything in our power to make sure that our children’s grandchildren will be able to enjoy this rich and precious inheritance. The conservation of wildlife and wild places calls for specialist knowledge, trained manpower, and money, and we look to other nations to cooperate with us in this important task – the success or failure of which not only affects the continent of Africa but the rest of the world as well.
About Us
Chagga-Mzungu is the operational and Kiswahili childhood nickname
Our Impact
Thanks to our dedicated network, organizations like the Rotary Club of Darwin North, Rotary Karatu, and Rotary Australia World Community Service have funded and placed five shipping containers in various villages along the Serengeti National Park border. These containers play a crucial role in our food protection program.
Local villagers had been experiencing significant wildlife-induced famine due to predatory elephants raiding crops and destroying granaries. Our shipping containers act as secure elephant-proof granaries, enabling villagers to protect their food, prevent famine, and harness resources from the sale of their crops.
Photograph ‘Thirsty Fellow‘ by Tim Nicklin
Achievements
In 2023, our program alleviated wildlife-induced famine for approximately 25,000 people living in our operational region. We’ve requested that in return, villagers desist from poaching and bush meat hunting, a request that has been largely successful. The substantial reduction in poaching and hunting has attracted the attention of the Tanzanian government as an innovative and non-prosecutorial approach to reducing these activities.
Our Challenges
Elephant predation is a significant and growing problem across East Africa, exacerbated by climate change, poverty, and population growth. This problem poses a real threat to the survival of the Serengeti National Park and other national parks across the region. With each elephant capable of consuming 150 kg of vegetation per day, and herds numbering up to 30, the impact on local agriculture is devastating, leading to occasional fatal encounters between elephants and farmers.
Our Team
Chagga-Mzungu was founded by Dan Baschiera, who was born on the southern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro and grew up in Tanzania before moving to Australia due to a family illness. Dan and his team of volunteers – including experts in community development, research, tourism, paediatrics, and agriculture – are dedicated to helping the Tanzanian community that helped raise him.
Get Involved
Chagga-Mzungu invites you to become a part of our mission. We’re seeking fundraising volunteers and looking to network with other agencies working in the conservation sector. Join us in supporting populations living in harmony with wildlife and promoting sustainable farming practices that respect the natural environment. To learn more about the elephant problem, consider searching for ‘elephant’ in any East African media source.
Get in Touch
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in learning more about our work, partnering with us, or exploring volunteer opportunities, your thoughts and inquiries are always welcome.
Below, you’ll find our contact details. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can make a difference for our world’s wildlife and the communities that coexist with them. Let’s connect, collaborate, and conserve.
Phone: (+61) 414 567 920
