ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE (KAZA)

© Brent Stirton/Getty Images for FAO, CIRAD, CIFOR and WCSv

SWM PROJECT

The Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation area is home to a great diversity of ecosystems and landscapes. Each year, the area experiences large-scale migrations of megafauna. Whilst rural communities in the Mucheni (Zimbabwe) and Simalaha (Zambia) Community Conservancies have distinct cultures and local governments, they depend on hunting and fishing for both food and income. However, communities’ livelihoods are threatened by erratic rainfall, poor soils, and human–wildlife conflicts.

The SWM Project in KaZa is promoting a sustainable use of natural resources, including wildlife and fisheries, by the Community Conservancies. It is also developing alternative sources of proteins, such as livestock husbandry and aquaculture. The project is being implemented by CIRAD in coordination with the governments of both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The MIZE Community Conservancy (MiCC), Zambia's newest wildlife sanctuary measuring 585 km2 was officially launched on 18 November 2022.
  • Thirthy resource monitors (18 in Zimbabwe and 12 in Zambia) have been engaged to enhance anti-poaching patrols and information sharing with communities. 
  • A total of 15 Farmer Field schools were established in Zimbabwe, where local communities have been trained on sustainable agricultural practices as well as on human-wildlife conflict mitigation. 
  • Farmers have been equipped with 40 beehives, chili oil and strings to produce honey and to protect their crops from elephants. 
  • The SWM Programme is working with government ministries in Zimbabwe and other stakeholders to register cooperatives that will provide income from locally available non-timber forest products and livestock. 
Map of the SWM activities in the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation area
× Map of the SWM activities in the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation area
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers and boundaries.

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The Mucheni Community Conservancy Profile

Towards sustainable wildlife management

© CIRAD

Create community conservancies for sustainable...

Leaflet - SWM Programme in Zambia and Zimbabwe

SWM CC Project Newsletter, Issue 4 (September 2023 to February 2024)

Community engagements to ease human-wildlife conflict