From Poachers to Farmers with Dale Lewis - COMACO

Dale Lewis shares how nearly 40 years in Zambia led to a new model for conservation: one that protects elephants and wildlife by improving markets, farming, and community trust. Through COMACO, he has helped turn former poachers into partners, expanded across 97 chiefdoms, and created income, food, and protection systems that make conservation work for the people living closest to the land.

Learn more about Origins Foundation:
theoriginsfoundation.org

Support conservation storytelling:
give.theoriginsfoundation.org/give/322117

youtube.com/@TheOriginsFoundation

[00:00] The Best Job in Wildlife Conservation
[01:20] Why Dale Lewis Moved to Zambia
[04:09] From Bird Research to Elephant Conservation
[06:27] Starting Elephant Conservation on a Bicycle
[09:12] How Poverty Fuels Wildlife Poaching
[12:36] Creating Kamako: Conservation Through Business
[15:33] Why Farmers Became the Focus
[17:51] Transforming Poachers Into Conservationists
[21:16] How Kamako Changed Entire Communities
[23:31] Building Markets for Small-Scale Farmers
[26:16] 240 Million Trees and Sustainable Farming
[27:21] Transforming Poachers at Kafue National Park
[30:27] The Untold Kamako Conservation Success Story
[33:59] How Kamako Connects Farmers to Markets
[36:32] Can Safari Hunting Fund Conservation?
[41:16] Solving Human-Wildlife Conflict
[44:42] Kamako Farm Talk and Conservation Education
[46:27] How to Support Kamako and Its Wild Products

About:
Origins Foundation is a global storytelling initiative dedicated to promoting the truth about hunting and conservation. Founded by Dr. Robbie Kröger, Origins Foundation seeks to bridge the divide between hunters and non-hunters by sharing authentic stories that showcase the role of ethical hunting in wildlife management, habitat preservation, and community empowerment. By fostering meaningful conversations and dispelling misconceptions, Origins Foundation ensures that hunting remains a respected and vital conservation tool.

Connect:
Instagram: instagram.com/theoriginsfoundation
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/theoriginsfoundation
Website: theoriginsfoundation.org
Newsletter: theoriginsfoundation.org/news