Ex Gratia Payments for Loss of Human Life Due to Wild Animals' Attack in Botswana

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ex gratia payment is paid only to families of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) victims who get killed by wildlife, and not to victims who are injured by wild animals regardless of the severity of the injury, even if it results in permanent disability. This study was carried out to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the ex gratia payment to victims of wild animals’ attack. Participants included traditional leadership (chiefs), government officials, wildlife NGOs, victims and their caretakers. Local people exposed to lifethreatening wildlife attacks express fear and animosity towards wild animals, and also feel left out and disappointed by a fragmented government service delivery system. Delays in processing ex gratia payment militates against the effectiveness of the ex gratia scheme. Payment of ex gratia process needs to be re-engineered to improve its effectiveness to serve its novel objectives. This study recommends establishment of an Ex Gratia Scheme or Ex Gratia Tribunal where all HWC injuries or death incidents can be effectively dealt with. Most importantly, compensation should consider healthcare and rehabilitation, loss of reasonable