Catch rain: people working together to restore land and rivers
Date
2016-09
Authors
Huelin, Astrid, author
International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Rural communities in Zimbabwe and Zambia are being inspired to work together to restore land and rivers by changing wildlife, livestock and land management practices. There is improved rural community resilience & prosperity in the face of climate change. The Catchment Approach is low input, simple, practical & duplicatable. The results seen are due to community ownership and empowerment to manage their own wildlife, livestock and land resources for the long term. Stories from Zimbabwe: In 2012, The Mwalanga River in Sizinda Community Matabeleland North, started flowing above ground from December to December. For 20 years this river only flowed during the rainy season. Grasslands are being restored, perennial grasses are increasing and wildlife and livestock are being managed with solutions focused thinking. Ngarazi Village of Chief Chisunga area in Mushumbi Pools have set aside a 6000 hectare community conservancy. Recognising the need to improve rainwater infiltration into the soil the community is applying simple regenerative agricultural techniques to manage their area. Muhlanguleni, Chilonga and Gondoweni villages of Chief Sengwe area, Mazvingo Province, Zimbabwe are excited to start changing wildlife, livestock and land management practices to restore their grasslands to health. Stories from Zambia: Communities of the Kafue floodplains are creating solid social management structures to manage their wildlife, livestock, land and rivers.
Description
Presented at the 9th international wildlife ranching symposium: wildlife - the key to prosperity for rural communities, held on 12-16 September 2016 at Hotel Safari & the Safari Court, Windhoek, Namibia.