As populations of both man and elephant increase in these regions, the chances of increased confrontations are inevitable. Opportunities do exist for the mitigation of this conflict to the benefit of the local farmers, rural populations, the environment and wildlife populations.

The conservancy approach in Namibia provides the vehicle for solutions to some of these problems. Elephants are now seen as potential assets to rural populations and benefits are being generated through consumptive and non-consumptive use of wildlife. This broadens livelihood options, increases rural job creation and skills, as well as providing communities with local development funds. The sustainable use of wildlife is only possible where accurate data is available and disseminated in a timely fashion to decision makers.

Very little information is available to the managers and decisionmakers concerning elephants in the Omusati Region. The region has been overlooked by previous researchers as the terrain is difficult, there are landmines and unexploded ammunitions left over from the civil war (1976-1990), and there is a general lack of infrastructure.

However, this region could be significant for the long term viability of Etosha elephants given the periodic occurrence of drought, fire and/or diseases (anthrax) within the whole of north and northwest Namibia.