Despite the impression of unlimited space, the north-west is an arid environment which has a low carrying capacity for both humans and elephants. Elephants numbers are increasing outside the national park through their own breeding and presumed emigration from Etosha. The available range outside the national park is shrinking as the number of humans and domestic livestock increases. Elephants are competing with livestock for living space, food and water. The result is that the elephants are being forced to seek these resources in the commercial farming area. The prerogative for developing an 'elephant management plan' rests with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. This document analyses the situation in the north-west, examines the options for management and makes recommendations.