Zimbabwe

A herder stands near a group of cattle.

Human-lion Conflict: A Growing Concern in Hwange District

Human-lion conflict is a pressing issue in Hwange District, Zimbabwe, where livestock depredation by lions and other predators is a significant threat to farmers’ livelihoods. According to the Hwange Rural District Council (RDC) Environment Department’s Problem Animal Control report book for 2024, lions were responsible for 120 livestock losses, hyenas for 125, crocodiles for 86, and leopards for 35. Although lions prey on almost all livestock, they kill more cattle than any other predator, which means that lions cause the most damages in terms of economic value.

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in Blog / Human Wildlife Conflict / Zimbabwe
A man reaches up as he works on a chilli fence.

Chili Fences: A Game-Changer in Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation

In Zimbabwe’s Hwange District, an innovative solution is helping to mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC) and change the lives of local communities. Chili fences are a non-lethal method of protecting crops and reducing conflicts between humans and elephants. The chili fence strategy was made possible by the generous support of Connected Conservation, who donated chili fence materials. By working hand-in-hand with local communities, the initiative has significantly reduced human-elephant conflict.

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in Blog / Human Wildlife Conflict / Zimbabwe
School building with badly damaged roof.

A Roof Restored, a Future Rebuilt: How Conservation Efforts Supported Education in Hwange, Zimbabwe

In 2024, the people of Matabeleland North (Ward 8) in Zimbabwe’s Hwange District witnessed the tangible benefits of community-led conservation efforts. Revenue generated from wildlife management through the CAMPFIRE programme was used to restore the roof of a classroom block at Lumbora Secondary School. This initiative not only improved the learning environment but also demonstrated the positive impact of sustainable wildlife management on local communities.

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in Blog / Zimbabwe
An elephant eating green bushes.

Why local communities support Zimbabwe’s plan to cull 200 elephants

The Zimbabwean government recently announced its intention to cull 200 of its 95,000 elephants to feed its people. Communities living with elephants in the country consider this to be step in the right direction.

As a member of one of the communities living alongside elephants, I warmly welcomed this strategy. During a drought, conflict with elephants increases – they damage crops and leave people without anything to feed their families. This cull will also provide an important source of meat for people who are struggling to survive.

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in Blog / Zimbabwe
CAMPFIRE

The cost of living with deadly wildlife

 The Cost of Living with Wildlife

As narrated by Mr. Liberty Chauka – Zimbabwe

 

One day as we were walking in the forest, a raucous high-pitched sound of hadida ibises disturbed the feeding pride of lions as we were approaching close by. This was followed by the grumbling of lions that were feeding on our cattle. Fortunately, we were a group of young boys and two men, and we managed to chase them and recovered the livestock carcass.

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in Blog / Sustainable Use / Zimbabwe