Overview

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is a nonprofit organization that works globally to protect animals and their habitats. In Malawi, IFAW partners with government agencies, local communities, and conservation groups to address wildlife protection, habitat conservation, and human–wildlife coexistence.

Major Projects & Focus Areas
Project / Focus Description & Activities Goals & Outcomes
Protecting the Malawi-Zambia Landscape A cross-border conservation effort that protects elephant movement corridors and tackles threats such as poaching. To safeguard habitats, maintain connectivity, and reduce poaching.
Kasungu National Park Fence & Infrastructure Support for building and extending electric fencing around Kasungu to reduce human–elephant conflict. Prevent wildlife from straying into nearby communities and reduce risks to people and property.
Elephant Translocation In 2022, over 260 elephants were relocated to Kasungu National Park, with IFAW providing technical and financial backing. To balance elephant populations, relieve ecological pressure in overcrowded areas, and restore balance.
Chikolongo Livelihood Project Focused on communities bordering Liwonde National Park, with water systems and livelihood support. Reduce poverty-driven pressure on wildlife, improve community well-being, and promote sustainable coexistence.
Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Use of real-time tracking technology, ranger training, and monitoring systems. Enable quicker responses to wildlife incursions and improve safety for both people and animals.
Challenges & Controversies

Loss of Human Lives and Property
After elephant relocations, nearby communities reported fatalities, crop destruction, and damage to homes. This sparked demands for accountability and compensation.

Adequacy of Mitigation Measures
Some critics argued fences and protective infrastructure were incomplete or insufficient at the time of the elephant translocation, leaving communities vulnerable.

Responsibility vs. Government Oversight
IFAW highlights that ultimate responsibility for park and wildlife management lies with the Malawian government, while the organization provides technical and financial support.

Community Relations and Trust
Human losses and damage strained trust between local communities and conservation organizations, with communities calling for stronger safeguards and inclusive decision-making.

Recent Updates

In 2025, IFAW donated vehicles and motorbikes to Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife to improve conflict response and park management.

The Kasungu fence project is ongoing, with expansions and repairs to reduce conflict.

Real-time tracking tools such as EarthRanger are in use across the Malawi–Zambia landscape, helping to monitor and respond to elephant movements more effectively.