KAPs / Image Analysis & Delivering as One Tanzania Stakeholder report January 2009
Stakeholder Analysis Report
Transcript of Stakeholder Analysis Report
Stakeholder Capacity Building Assessment
Stakeholder Analysis Report
(Stakeholder Capacity Building for Key Biodiversity Area Management
Planning in the Chimanimani-Nyanga Mountains)
By Felistas Chikaura and Batsirai Frank
July 2013
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank all members of the BirdLife Zimbabwe team who provided
information and supported the field surveys. We would particularly like to thank
Togarasei Fakarayi, who is responsible for the Capacity Building project of BirdLife
Zimbabwe for all his hard work and support during this stakeholder assessment.
We would also like to thank all the stakeholders who ranged from Government
Departments, Rural District Councils, NGOs, Schools and Privates Sector members
of the Eastern Highlands community who provided information for this assessment
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Executive Summary
BirdLife Zimbabwe (BLZ) is a membership based conservation non-governmental
organisation (NGO), a local bird conservation initiative established in 1951. The aim
of BLZ’s conservation and capacity building programmes is to improve the
conservation of birds and biodiversity for the benefit of bird species and improve the
quality of life of people, with a view to soliciting conservation action by all. The
project will take place in the Chimanimani-Nyanga Mountains priority corridor in
Zimbabwe. The KBA sites involved will be:
1. Nyanga Mountains,
2. Stapleford Forest Reserve
3. Vumba Highlands
4. Chimanimani Mountains
5. Chirinda Forest Reserve,
Stakeholder capacity building project for KBA management project will assess the
capacity of organisations, groups and individuals that are actively involved in the
biodiversity management and protection or whose interests may be positively or
negatively affected by biodiversity conservations. The ultimate goal is that of
creating awareness of the value of biodiversity, building Site Support Groups (SSG),
and building Stakeholder Management Advisory Groups (SMAG) for improving the
management and conservation activities at these sites.
The main purpose of the stakeholder assessment (as stated in the ToR) was to
identify stakeholders in the Chimanimani-Nyanga Mountains corridor and
understand their current activities, their interests and capacity needs in biodiversity
to assist BLZ to implement biodiversity conservation projects especially for birds in
the 5 KBAs. The assessment also looked at some of the legal frameworks that govern
biodiversity conservation in Zimbabwe.
The study found out that there were government departments, Non Governmental
Organisations (NGOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and private sector
organisations doing a variety of activities on biodiversity management. The district
structures of Natural Resources management exist but the main constraints for a co-
ordinated approach to conservation activities include among other things are
financial, human and materials resources.
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All stakeholders consulted were happy and eager to work with BirdLife Zimbabwe
in the biodiversity conservation programme in this IBA. It is recommended that BLZ
should use the existing structures of the Rural District Council (RDC) to have a
coordinated approach in the management of biodiversity. The structures would be
effective in promoting learning, documentation of researches, capturing and using
the IKS and recording of birds species found in these areas for sharing with others in
the country and beyond.
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Table of Contents
Taof Contents Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... 1
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................. 2
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................. 4
Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................... 8
1. Background and Context .......................................................................................................... 10
1.1. Purpose of Stakeholder Assessment................................................................................ 11
1.2. Project Description ............................................................................................................. 11
1.3. Approach to Study ............................................................................................................. 12
1.4. Assumption and Limitations ................................................................................................. 12
2.0 Legal Frame Works Governing Biodiversity Conservation in Zimbabwe ........................................ 13
2.1 Introduction to Zimbabwe’s Legislative Framework ................................................... 13
2.1.1 Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Environment ................................................. 13
2.2 National and Institutional Environmental Policy ......................................................... 14
2.2.1 Zimbabwe National Environmental Policy ............................................................ 15
2.2.2 Company Environmental Policies ........................................................................... 16
2.3 Institutional and Administrative Framework ................................................................ 16
2.3.2 Local Government ...................................................................................................... 17
2.3.3 Environmental Management Agency ..................................................................... 18
2.4 Environmental Framework Legislation/Proclamation ................................................. 22
2.4.1 Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27] ................................................. 22
2.4.2 Environmental Management Act Regulations ....................................................... 23
2.5 Other Relevant Legislation to the Biodiversity Conservation Project ........................ 24
2.6 Regional and International Multilateral Agreements ................................................... 25
3.0 Study Findings........................................................................................................................ 27
3.1. Defining of Terms ................................................................................................................... 27
3.1.1. Stakeholder ......................................................................................................................... 27
3.1.2. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces.................................................................................. 27
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3.2. Key Biodiversity Areas of Zimbabwe .................................................................................. 28
3.3.1. Population Distribution................................................................................................... 28
3.3.2. Ethnic Groups ................................................................................................................... 28
3.3.3. Water and Sanitation ....................................................................................................... 28
3.3.4 Religious Practices and Beliefs ........................................................................................ 29
3.3. Nyanga District ....................................................................................................................... 30
3.3.1 Nyanga National Park ...................................................................................................... 32
3.3.2. Stakeholders Consulted and Identified ........................................................................ 34
3.3.3. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces.................................................................................. 35
3.4. Mutasa District ........................................................................................................................ 38
3.4.1. Stapleford Forest /Allied Timbers .................................................................................. 39
3.4.2. Stakeholders Consulted and Identified ........................................................................ 39
3.4.3. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces .................................................................................. 41
3.5. Mutare District ........................................................................................................................ 42
3.5.1. Vumba Forest .................................................................................................................... 42
3.5.2. Stakeholders Consulted and Identified ........................................................................ 44
3.5.3. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces .................................................................................. 45
3.6. Chimanimani District ............................................................................................................. 48
3.6.1. Chimanimani National Parks ......................................................................................... 48
3.6.2. Stakeholders Consulted and Identified ........................................................................ 49
3.6.3. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces .................................................................................. 51
3.7. Chipinge District ..................................................................................................................... 53
3.7.1. Chirinda Forest ................................................................................................................. 53
3.7.2. Stakeholders Consulted and Identified ........................................................................ 55
3.7.3. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces .................................................................................. 56
4.0 Local Area Livelihoods and Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Biodiversity
Conservation ....................................................................................................................................... 58
4.1. Local Area Livelihood Systems ........................................................................................ 58
4.2. Local Indigenous Knowledge systems ............................................................................ 58
4.3. Knowledge Belief and Attitudes on Biodiversity .......................................................... 62
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4.4 Capacity Building Needs .................................................................................................. 65
5. Conclusions and Recommendations ....................................................................................... 67
6. References ................................................................................................................................... 70
7. Appendices ..................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7. 1. Stakeholder Log ...................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.2. Questionnaire and Interview Guide ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3. Schools Knowledge Attitude Practice Test .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4. Nyanga RDC Chief Executive officer ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.5. Nyanga District Administrator ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.7. Nyanga Ministry of Education ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.8. Nyanga Ministry of Education DEO ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.9. Nyanga National Parks ................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.9. B. Nyanga Parks Action of Section D. Tourism Management Programme ..... Error! Bookmark
not defined.
7.10. Nyanga Village Inn........................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.11.Nyanga Forestry Extension ........................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.12. Nyanga Kairezi Catchment Area Zimwa ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.13. Nyanga ZRP .................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.14. Nyanga Claymont Estate .............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.15. Mutasa DA .................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.16. Mutasa RDC ................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.17. Mutasa AGRITEX .......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.18. Mutasa Ministry of education ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.19.Mutasa Zimbabwe Republic Police ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.20.Mutasa Allied Timber .................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.21. Mutare Vumba Botanical Gardens and Reserve .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.22. Chimanimani DA .......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.23. Chimanimani EMA ........................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.24. Chimanimani Hotel ...................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.25. Chimanimani Ministry of Education............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.26. Chimanimani National Parks ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
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7.27. Chimanimani Risitu High School .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.28. Chimanimani AGRITEX ................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.29. Chimanimani Allied Timbers ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.30. Chipinge Chirinda Forest ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.31. Chipinge Forestry Extension ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.32. Chipinge Ministry of Education .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.33. Mutare EMA ................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.34. Mutare DA RDC ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.35. Mutare Seldom Seen.................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.36. Nyanga Nyamhuka primary school KAP Results .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.37. Chimanimani Risuti High school KAP Results ............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
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List of Figure
Figure 1Key Biodiversity Areas of Zimbabwe ........................................................................................ 28
Figure 2 Smouldering Saw Dust hips at Allied Saw Mills ...................................................................... 31
Figure 3 Logging Truck at Allied Saw Mills ............................................................................................ 31
Figure 4 Nyanga Parks in Relation to Other Parks in Zimbabwe .......................................................... 32
Figure 5 Chimanimani ........................................................................................................................... 48
Figure 6 River Water Polluted By Illegal Gold Paners ........................................................................... 49
Figure 7 Craft Products from Natural Resources .................................................................................. 53
Figure 8Chirinda Forest ......................................................................................................................... 53
List of Tables
Table 1 Environmental Regulatory Authorities in Zimbabwe ............................................................... 18
Table 2 Multilateral Agreements Zimbabwe is Signatory to ................................................................ 25
Table 3 Number of Schools in Manicaland Province ............................................................................ 30
Table 4 Nyanga Stakeholders Consulted and Identified ....................................................................... 34
Table 5 Nyanga Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces .......................................................................... 35
Table 6 Mutasa District Stakeholders Consulted .................................................................................. 39
Table 7 Mutasa District Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces ............................................................. 41
Table 8 Mutare Stakeholders Consulted and identified ....................................................................... 44
Table 9 Mutare Gapes, Hindrances and Driving forces ........................................................................ 45
Table 10 Chimanimani Stakeholders Consulted and identified ............................................................ 49
Table 11 Chimanimani District Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces .................................................. 51
Table 12 Chipinge Stakeholders Consulted and identified ................................................................... 55
Table 13 Chipinge Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces ...................................................................... 56
Table 14 Stories of Indigenous Knowledge Systems ............................................................................. 60
Table 15 Questions and Responses ...................................................................................................... 63
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Abbreviations
BEST Environmental Science Teaching
BKAP Biodiversity Knowledge Attitude and Practice
BLI BirdLife International
BLZ BirdLife Zimbabwe
CAMPFIRE Communal Areas Management Programme For Indigenous Resources
CBO Community Based Organisation
CMA Community Management Agreement
EMB Environmental Management Board
Gvt Government
IBA Important Bird Area
IKS Indigenous Knowledge Systems
KBA Key Biodiversity Area
MENRM Ministry of Environmental and Natural Resources Management
MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism
MLGPW Ministry of Local Government, Public Works
NEnvC National Environmental Council
NGO Non Governmental Organisations.
NRDC Nyanga Rural District Council
PVO Private Voluntary Organization
RDC Rural District Council
SMAG Stakeholder Management Advisory Group
SSG Site Support Group
TOR Terms of Reference
UN United Nations
ZNEP Zimbabwe National Environment Policy
ZPWMA Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority
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1. Background and Context
BirdLife Zimbabwe (BLZ) is a membership based conservation non-governmental
organisation (NGO), a local conservation initiative that was established in 1951. It is
registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare as a Private Voluntary
Organization (PVO 7/91). The goal of the organization is to conserve biodiversity by
using birds as indicators. BirdLife Zimbabwe’s mission is to promote the survival of
birds in Zimbabwe and elsewhere for their intrinsic value and the enjoyment of
future generations. The day-to-day operations of BLZ are carried out by a Secretariat
of paid staff, employed by the organization. The Secretariat is answerable to a
Council of Trustees which is elected by the members at BLZ’s Annual General
Meetings. BirdLife Zimbabwe is a full partner in BirdLife International (BLI), and as
such is the national representative of BLI in Zimbabwe. However BLZ is a
completely independent organization with its own governance structures and BLI is
not represented on BLZ’s Council.
The aim of BLZ’s conservation and capacity building programmes is to improve
conservation education status of birds conservation sites and habitats for the benefit
of bird species and improve the quality of life of people, with a view to soliciting
conservation action by all. BirdLife Zimbabwe has been monitoring and conserving
biodiversity in Important Birds Areas (IBA) in Zimbabwe. All the Key Biodiversity
Areas (KBA) in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe are also IBAs and BLZ has been
working in these areas with communities and government agencies for the past eight
years.
The conservation projects will take place in the Chimanimani-Nyanga Mountains
priority corridor in Zimbabwe. The KBA sites involved will be:
1. Nyanga National Park,
2. Stapleford Forest Reserve,
3. Vumba Highlands,
4. Chimanimani Mountains National Park and
5. Chirinda Forest Reserve,
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1.1. Purpose of Stakeholder Assessment
The main purpose of the stakeholder assessment (as stated in the ToRs) was to carry
out a stakeholder analysis in the Chimanimani-Nyanga Mountains corridor. The
consultancy had field work covering the following areas:
1. Nyanga National Park
2. Stapleford Forest Reserve
3. Vumba Highlands
4. Chimanimani s National Park
5. Chirinda Forest Reserve
The consultant interviewed and collated data of:
Current and potential stakeholders activities in biodiversity conservation and
established their roles and responsibilities in biodiversity and their different
levels of influence,
Level of awareness of stakeholders on the importance of biodiversity
conservation in all the KBAs in the Chimanimani-Nyanga Mountains corridor.
Stakeholders’ information needs/gaps.
Key barriers and challenges in the KBAs to effective and active stakeholder
participation in biodiversity conservation/sustainable use of biodiversity
products.
1.2. Project Description
The Stakeholder Capacity Building project will take place in the Chimanimani-
Nyanga Mountains priority corridor in Zimbabwe. The KBA sites involved will be:
1. Nyanga National Park
2. Stapleford Forest Reserve
3. Vumba Highlands
4. Chimanimani s National Park
5. Chirinda Forest Reserve
Stakeholder capacity building for KBA management project will work with
organisations, groups and individuals that are actively involved in management and
conservation of biodiversity or whose interests may be positively or negatively
affected by biodiversity conservations. The project also seeks to promote awareness
on the value of biodiversity, building SSGs, and building Stakeholder Management
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Advisory Group SMAGs for improving the management and conservation status of
the conservation sites.
1.3. Approach to Study
The stakeholder assessment team travelled from Harare to Nyanga, Mutasa, Mutare,
Chimanimani and Chipinge and used a participatory approach and conducted 37
interviews discussions and administered a Biodiversity Knowledge Attitudes and
Practices (BKAP) tests to one primary school in Nyanga grade 7 (26 pupils) and one
secondary school in Chimanimani forms 5 and 6 (33 pupils). It was also meant check
on their interests, roles, responsibilities and gaps in biodiversity conservation. The
team assessed and identified stakeholder information needs and opportunities on
biodiversity conservation in the KBAs. The team identified three critical levels of
stakeholders to this project and these are government departments, CBOs/NGOs and
the local community (urban/rural). The consultation of a wider spectrum of the
community was not possible because all NGO activities are not active as most people
are involved in the preparations for the impending general elections.
1.4. Assumption and Limitations
It was assumed that the assessment would cover the 5 districts at all levels in the
community, but only urban and other government, parastatals and a few NGOs
were consulted since most people were involved in the preparations for the
impending hamonised elections in the country.
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2.0 Legal Frame Works Governing Biodiversity Conservation in
Zimbabwe
The Republic of Zimbabwe, formerly Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia, the Republic of
Rhodesia, and Zimbabwe Rhodesia is a landlocked country located in the southern
part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is
bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the
northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three official languages:
English, Shona and Ndebele and minority languages like Tonga, Shangani, Venda
and Nambia.
Zimbabwe began as the British crown colony of Southern Rhodesia, created from
land held by the British South Africa Company. Mr. Robert Mugabe is the President
and head of State while Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai is the Prime Minister. Zimbabwe is a
semi-presidential republic, which has a parliamentary system of government. Under
the constitutional changes in 2005, an upper chamber, the Senate, was reinstated. The
House of Assembly is the lower chamber of Parliament.
Biodiversity conservation has been a major concern for Zimbabwe and efforts have
been deliberately put by central government through various arms of government
namely Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Environmental Management
Agent (EMA), Forestry Commission, Agritex and Rural District Councils (RDC).
Apart from these government agents there has been great effort as well from Non
Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and United Nations (UN) agencies. All these
players in biodiversity conservation are guided by international laws, conventions
and national laws in their quest to conserve biodiversity. This section shall look at
some of the legal frameworks that govern biodiversity conservation in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is a signatory to some international conventions which are aimed at
conserving biodiversity.
2.1 Introduction to Zimbabwe’s Legislative Framework
Zimbabwe’s Legal system consists of the Common law (non- statutory or unwritten
Anglo Roman Dutch Law) Legislation, Case Law (Precedent) and Customary Law.
2.1.1 Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Environment
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The New Constitution of Zimbabwe was Gazetted on Wednesday 22nd May 2013.
The constitution gives general provisions in terms of rights of citizens. The
environmental rights are covered in section 73, some of them include the follwing:
Environmental Rights:
(1) Every person has the right-
i. To an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being and
ii. To have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future
generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that-
iii. Prevent pollution and ecological degradation;
iv. Promote conservation and
v. Secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while
promoting economic and social development
(2) The State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within the limits of the
resources available to it, to achieve the progressive realisation of the rights set out in this
section.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe is the Supreme Law of the country and it is the parent
Act of any other Legislation. With the exception of Criminal Law, Zimbabwe’s law is
mainly uncodified.
2.2 National and Institutional Environmental Policy
The National Conservation Strategy of 1987 was the first policy document to
incorporate the concept of sustainability into development and environmental
management in Zimbabwe. In 1997 the then Ministry of Environment and Tourism
(MET) published the Environmental Impact Assessment Policy which became the
foundation for a law reform process which resulted in the Environmental
Management Act, 2002 [Chapter 20:27], as amended in March 2006. The Zimbabwe
National Environmental Policy of 2004 is used in conjunction with the
Environmental Management Act, the new EIA Regulations and the EIA Guidelines
to ensure that EIA’s are carried out correctly before any development has been done.
This has been done to ensure that development project do not impact on the
environment negatively.
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2.2.1 Zimbabwe National Environmental Policy
The Zimbabwe National Environment Policy (ZNEP) supports Zimbabwe's national
policy objective of alleviating poverty and improving the quality of life of the people
of Zimbabwe through strategic measures that are aimed at ‚sustaining the long-term
ability of natural resources to meet the basic needs of people, enhance food security,
reduce poverty and improve the standard of living of Zimbabweans through long-
term economic growth and the creation of employment‛. The ZNEP contends that
land degradation, inequitable distribution of land and insecure tenure are key issues
affecting the environment just as they are root causes of land degradation. The
degradation of land has an effect on biodiversity and accordingly, the national
environmental policy calls for sustainable use of land, integrated land-use planning
and the provision of secure tenure in the newly settled areas. The 2003 ZNEP was
developed in line with the National policy objective of the Government of Zimbabwe
which seeks to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life of the people of
Zimbabwe. The ZNEP’s major objective therefore is to avoid irreversible
environmental damage, maintain essential environmental processes and preserve the
broad spectrum of biological diversity so as to sustain the long term ability of natural
resources to meet the basic needs of people, enhance food security, reduce poverty
and improve the standard of living of Zimbabweans through the long term economic
growth and the creation of employment.
The ZNEP recognizes guiding principles to biodiversity conservation, use and
sustainable management. These include the following:
That the biodiversity of Zimbabwe is the foundation of the natural heritage of
the country
The conservation of biodiversity in all its forms is more likely to be sustained
if there is an economic incentive arising from the use of that biodiversity by
those people living closest to the resource;
As a major component of Zimbabwe’s natural heritage, and as an economic
resource plant diversity and the ecosystems of which it forms part must be
protected, conserved and used in sustainable ways;
The many economic, environmental, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic functions
and values of forests and woodlands need to be maintained, both for their
intrinsic worth and for the contributions they make to human welfare;
The best custodians of wildlife and other natural resources are those
landowners, including local communities, who are able to benefit directly
from the use of the wild life on their land;
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The conservation of biodiversity and other natural resources requires a multi-
faceted approach including the establishment of protected areas; and
Collaboration between countries over shared trans-boundary natural
resources ensures more effective sustainable development.
2.2.2 Company Environmental Policies
Companies in Zimbabwe have promulgated Environmental Policies which guides
their activities. These policies are an indication that the world over business has
become environmental sensitive and also that it makes good business sense to
promote good environmental practices. The environmental policies commit
Companies to the following:
cleaner production;
control of waste;
prevention of pollution; and
safe operation of plant.
The goals of corporate environmental policies are to ensure all companies attain ISO
14001 certification. To realize these policy goals companies commit to institute the
following at their plants:
Conduct frequent environmental audits of all their operations to ensure
conformance to the ISO 14001 Standards.
Review our environmental objectives and targets continuously.
Carry out continuous campaigns to all our staff and stakeholders on friendly
environmental practices
Document, maintain and make available information on all our environmental
practices to all the stakeholders.
Continuously improve on our environmental performance.
2.3 Institutional and Administrative Framework
The following paragraphs discuss the institutional and administrative framework at
the national and local level and organizations responsible for the preparation of
environmental policy and technical guidelines.
Zimbabwe has a centralized government and is divided into eight provinces. The
two major cities, Harare and Bulawayo have been granted provincial status for
administrative purposes. Each province has a provincial capital from where official
business is usually carried out. The provinces are subdivided into 59 districts and
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1,200 wards (sometimes referred to as municipalities or local authorities). Each
district is headed by a District Administrator, appointed by the Public Service
Commission and represents the Ministry of Local Government in the District and has
ultimate authority over all district affairs. There is also a Rural District Council made
up largely of elected members which appoints a Chief Executive Officer to
administer affairs of council. The Rural District Council is composed of elected ward
councillors, the District Administrator and one representative of the chiefs
(traditional leaders appointed under customary law) in the district. Other
government functions at district level are carried out by district offices of national
government departments.
2.3.2 Local Government
The activities of local government units are co-ordinated by the Ministry of Local
Government and Public Works (MLGPW). The ten provinces into which the country is
divided are administrative rather than political provinces and do not have elective
structures. The juridical framework for local government is set out in several pieces of
legislation. The principal Acts governing local authorities in Zimbabwe, the Urban
Councils Act and the Rural District Councils Act set local authorities as separate and
fairly autonomous legal corporate institutions. The main Acts for local governance
purposes are:
1. Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15),
2. Urban Councils Amendment Act (Chapter 29:16),
3. Rural District Councils Act (Chapter 29:13),
4. Chiefs and Headmen Act (Chapter 29:01),
5. Communal Land Act (Chapter 20:04),
6. Provincial Councils and Administration Act,
7. Customary Law and Local Courts Act (No. 2) of 1990 and
8. Traditional Leadership Act of 1998.
In addition, there are a number of statutory instruments defining the legal parameters
of local government. The Ministry of Local Government administers all these Acts and
Statutory Instruments promulgated in the local government area. The Minister retains a
substantial supervisory role over all local government units (LGUs) and enjoys the
ultimate power of intervention and suspension of any local council
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2.3.3 Environmental Management Agency
Environmental management in Zimbabwe is regulated by three related agencies in
the MENR namely:
National Environment Council (NEnvC);
Environmental Management Agency (EMA); and
Environmental Management Board (EMB).
The organizational responsibilities and institutional arrangements in the MENR are
as per Table 1 below.
Table 1 Environmental Regulatory Authorities in Zimbabwe
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Minister of Environment
& Natural Resources
Permanent Secretary
Director Environment & Conservation Director Administration
Principal Director
EMA National Parks
Forestry Commission
Water
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The Environmental Management Act sets out the main responsibilities of these
entities which can be summarized as follows.
National Environmental Council (NEnvC)
The functions of the Council as extracted from the Environmental Management Act
are as follows:
1) to advise on policy formulation and give directions on the implementation of
this Act; and
2) to advise on national goals and objectives and determine policies and
priorities for the protection of the environment; and
3) to promote co-operation among public departments, local authorities, private
sector, non-governmental organisations and such other organisations engaged
in environmental protection programmes; and
4) to make recommendations to all appropriate persons and authorities
regarding the harmonisation of functions related to the environment;
5) to review and recommend to the Minister guidelines for environmental
management plans and environmental action plans; and
6) to review the national environmental plan; and
7) to review and recommend incentives for the protection of the environment;
and
8) to perform such other functions as are assigned to it by the Minister under this
Act.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA)
The duties of the agency are stipulated in the Act and they are as follows:
a) to formulate quality standards on air, water, soil, noise, vibration, radiation
and waste management;
b) to assist and participate in any matter pertaining to the management of the
environment;
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Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA)
The main purpose of ZPWMA is to conserve Zimbabwe's wildlife heritage through
effective, efficient and sustainable utilisation of natural resources for the benefit of
present and future generations and stakeholders. According to the Parks Act 20-14
section Part II part 4 functions of Parks and Wild Life Management Authority among
other shall be:
(i) to control, manage and maintain national parks, botanical reserves and
botanical gardens, sanctuaries, safari areas and recreational parks for
the purposes set out reasonable, practicable and compatible with such
purposes, to provide facilities for visitors thereto;
(ii) to examine and report to the Minister from time to time upon—(i) the
policy which should be adopted to give effect to the objects and
purposes of this Act; and
(iii) the conservation and utilisation of the wild life resource of Zimbabwe;
(iv) the conservation and utilisation of the fish resource of Zimbabwe; and
(v) the preservation and protection of natural landscapes, wild life and
plants and the natural ecological stability of wild life and plant
communities in national parks; and
(vi) the preservation and protection of rare or endangered plant communities
growing naturally in the wild in botanical reserves; and
(vii) the propagation and cultivation of exotic and indigenous plants
in botanical gardens; and
(viii) the protection of animals or particular species of animals in
sanctuaries;
(ix) the preservation and protection of the natural habitat and wild life in
safari areas and the facilities and opportunities given to the public for
camping, hunting, fishing, photography, viewing of animals, bird
watching and such other pursuits that may be permitted therein in
terms of this Act; and
(x) the preservation and protection of the natural features of recreational
parks; and
(xi) plans for the development of national parks, botanical reserves,
botanical gardens, sanctuaries, safari areas and recreational parks;
taking into account in particular the geography and geology of each
area reported upon, research and management therein, the enjoyment,
education, etc;
Stakeholder Analysis Report
22 July, 2013
Forestry Commission
Some of the duties of Commission as spelt out in the Forestry Act 19-05 include:
(a) the consideration of all questions and matters arising out of or relating
to general forest policy and the making of reports and
recommendations thereon to the Minister;
(b) the control, management and exploitation of State forests, plantations
and forest nurseries belonging to the State and such other land as may
be acquired by the State for forestry purposes;
(c) the establishment, maintenance, improvement, renewal and
exploitation of plantations and forest nurseries;
i. the exploitation of all forms of forest produce, including—
ii. the manufacture of articles from forest produce and the sale
and exportation of such articles; and
iii. the production, sale and exportation of seed; and
iv. the conduct of hunting or photographic safaris;
(d). the survey of the forest resources of Zimbabwe;
(e). advice and propaganda on all forestry matters;
(f). conducting research and investigations into all matters pertaining to
forestry and forest products;
(g). the determination of whether the President should exercise any of his
powers in terms of section thirty-five and to make a recommendation
thereon to the President;
(h). the investigation of any matter relating to the use or occupation of
the Forest Estate and the making of recommendations thereon to the
President where it considers such use or occupation is inconsistent with
this Act etc;
2.4 Environmental Framework Legislation/Proclamation
The main laws and regulations of relevance to biodiversity conservation are
summarized in this Section.
.4.1 Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27]
The Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27] was enacted in 2002 (Act 13 of
2002) and amended in 2006. The Act repeals the following former Acts:
Natural Resources Act [Chapter 20:13]
The Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act [Chapter 20:03]
Hazardous Substances and Articles Act [Chapter 15:05]
Noxious Weeds Act [Chapter 19:07]
Stakeholder Analysis Report
23 July, 2013
2.4.2 Environmental Management Act Regulations
Several Statutory Instruments (SI) to operationalize the Environmental Management
Act, have been passed in terms of Section 140 of the Act. These regulations
incorporate the modern principles of environmental management that include:
“polluter pays principle” The polluter shall bear the cost of measures to
reduce pollution decided upon by public authorities to ensure that the
environment is in an acceptable state, and should compensate citizens for the
harm they suffer from the pollution;
‚precautionary principle‛ Where there are threats of serious or irreversible
damage lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for
postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation;
‚strict liability principle‛ Any person who contravenes this Act or
regulations shall be liable to the penalties prescribed thereafter;
‚avoidance principle‛ It is preferable to avoid environmental damage as it
can be impossible or more expensive to repair rather than prevent the
damage
The following environmental regulations are applicable for the project.
(a) Environmental Management (Environmental Impact Assessment and
Ecosystems Protection) Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 7 of 2007
This SI deals with the regulation of the environmental impact assessment process
and the protection of ecosystems. These regulations provide the method of carrying
out the EIA. The developer has to submit a prospectus to the Agency which shall
issue a licence if satisfied by the contents of the prospectus. The prospectus has to
contain details of the environmental impacts of the project and the measures to be
taken to contain or mitigate such impacts. In preparing an EIA the developer is
obliged to consult widely with all stakeholders. The Agency will not issue a licence if
it is not satisfied that the developer consulted widely with all stakeholders in the
preparation of the EIA.
(b) Environmental Management (Effluent and Solid Waste Disposal
Regulations, Statutory Instrument No.6 of 2007
These regulations prohibit any person from disposing waste into a public stream or
ground water without a licence. Every generator of waste (except households) is now
required to come up with a waste management plan by the 31st December of each
year which deals with quantity of waste; components of waste; goals for reduction in
quantity and pollutant discharges of the waste; transportation and disposal of waste;
Stakeholder Analysis Report
24 July, 2013
and adoption of environmentally sound management of the wastes. It is an offence
for any waste generator to fail to produce the waste management plan.
(c) Hazardous Substances, Pesticides and Other Toxic Substances Regulation,
Statutory Instrument No. 12 of 2007
These regulations provide for the labelling, packaging, repackaging and sale of
hazardous substances or articles containing hazardous substances. The regulations
prescribe conditions which have to be observed by employers over the handling of
hazardous substances at the workplace; conditions for transporting hazardous
substances; and procedures to be followed when there is an accidental spillage of the
hazardous substance.
(d) Environmental Management (Atmospheric Pollution Control) Regulation,
Statutory Instrument No. 72 of 2009
These regulations relate to the management of ambient air quality and set emission
standards for certain activities. They also outline procedures to be followed in the
issuance of emission licences. Procedures to be employed in sampling of emissions
are also outlined.
(e) Environmental Management (Hazardous Waste Management) Regulation,
Statutory Instrument No. 10 of 2007
These regulations require that any person generating, storing, selling, transporting
using, recycling, discharging or disposing waste to the environment have a licence
from disposing waste into a public stream or ground water without a licence. Every
generator of waste (except households) is required to come up with a waste
management plan by the 31st December of each year which deals with quantity of
waste; components of waste; goals for reduction in quantity and pollutant discharges
of the waste; transportation and disposal of waste; and adoption of environmentally
sound management of the wastes. It is an offence for any waste generator to fail to
produce the waste management plan. The regulations also relate to waste collection
and management by local authorities.
2.5 Other Relevant Legislation to the Biodiversity Conservation Project
a) Land Acquisition Act [Chapter 20:10]
The Act gives the authority to the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe to
compulsorily acquire land for public good. It also sets out the procedure for
acquisition as well as modes and assessment of compensation (Part V Section 1(a)).
Biodiversity exists on land that may be privately owned or owned by the state and as
such there are laws that govern the access to these lands. It is important to
Stakeholder Analysis Report
25 July, 2013
understand the provision of the law in this regards. Government though National
Parks proposed a Wild Life Based Land Reform Programme aimed at restocking
farms that had wildlife before 2000.
b) Water Act [Chapter 20:24]
The Act regulates the planning and development of water resources, and provides a
framework for allocating water permits. Water bodies are home to aquatic
biodiversity and water is the most common disposal medium for wastes which
eventually harm aquatic life. The Water (Wastewater and Effluent Disposal)
Regulations of 2000 which are associated with this Act specify what quality is
acceptable in terms of effluent released into rivers. These regulations will need to be
adhered to in the process silt flushing of silt traps at the tunnel intake.
c) National Museums and Monuments Act [Chapter 20:27]
The Act provides for the protection of all areas of historical and archaeological
significance. It also provides for the conservation of ancient relics and pre-historic
artefacts or objects. No excavation, blasting or drilling can be done on the historical
areas. The Eastern Highlands area is rich in historical monuments. One of the
monuments is call Ziwa monument in Nyanga. The property on the estate consist of
terraces enclosure, pits enclose and passages smelting furnaces and grinding places.
Nyanga Estate monument are build pit structure and include Nyangwe and
Chawomera Fort. Other monuments in the eastern highlands include Nyahokwe,
Matendera, kagumbudzi and Harleigh Farm monuments and relics. Also there is one
of the Rock art national monuments in the Eastern Highlands region at Diana’s Vow
rock painting (http://nmmz.co.zw/web2.0) During the implementation of the project
archaeological artefacts may be encountered and BirdLife Zimbabwe and its
associated community members will be required to disclose this to the Department
of Museums and Monuments the discovery of such historical items. This will in turn
help to have the artefacts and sites protected by the laws of the country.
d) Regional, Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12]
This Act provides for the planning of regions, districts and local areas with the
objective of conserving and improving the physical environment
Stakeholder Analysis Report
26 July, 2013
e) Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14]
The Act establishes national parks and nature reserves, conserving timber resources,
regulating trade in forest produce and regulating the hunting/trapping of animals
and burning of vegetation.
f) Forest Act[Chapter 19:05]
The Act provides for demarcating forests and nature reserves, conserving timber
resources, regulating trade in forest produce, and regulating the burning of
vegetation.
g) Rural District Councils Act [Chapter 29:13]
The Act allows for the establishment of Rural District councils responsible for
initiating and regulating development in rural areas. The project is located within the
Nyanga Rural District Council (RDC), Mutasa RDC, Mutare RDC, Chimanimani
RDC and Chipinge RDC administrated areas and RDCs who can be central co-
ordinating stakeholders.
h) Communal Land Forest Produce Act [Chapter 19:04]
The Act controls the use of wood resources within communal lands. Such resources
in communal lands should be used for domestic purposes by the residents only. The
project contractors’ employees will need firewood for some purposes and the
provisions of the act will be adhered to in the abstraction of these resources.
i) Trapping of Animals (Control) Act [Chapter 20:12]
The Act prohibits making, possessing or using certain types of traps, and specifies
the purposes for which animal trapping is permitted.
j) Plant, Pests and Diseases Act [Chapter 19:08]
The Act provides for the eradication and prevention of the spread of plant pests and
diseases.
k) Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act [Chapter 19:09]
The Act prohibits activities considered cruel to animals. Several new access roads
will be created and the project construction and operating activities will introduce
heavier traffic onto these rural roads. Measures, like stock-proof fencing which will
direct animals to designated crossing places, will need to be put in place to prevent
Stakeholder Analysis Report
27 July, 2013
animals inadvertently straying onto access roadways where they can be killed or
injured.
l) Traditional Leaders Act29:17
This Act to provide for the appointment of village heads, headmen and chiefs; to
provide for the establishment of a Council of Chiefs and village, ward and provincial
assemblies and to define their functions; to provide for the issue of village
registration certificates and settlement permits; to repeal the Chiefs and Headmen
Act [Chapter29:01]. The Act also provides for as one of the duties of the local leaders
responsible within their areas for—(a) performing the functions pertaining to the
office of a chief as the traditional head of the community under his jurisdiction;(b)
promoting and upholding cultural values among members of the community under
his jurisdiction, particularly the preservation of the extended family and the
promotion of traditional family life. In line with this the Communal Land and Forest
and Produce Act controls the use of wood resources within communal lands. Such
resources in communal lands should be used for domestic purposes by the residents
only. The same Act also noted that it ensures that Communal Land is allocated in
accordance with Part III of the Communal Land Act [Chapter 20:04] and ensure that
the requirements of any enactment in force for the use and occupation of communal
or resettlement land are observed; and others. It also ensures that the land and its
natural resources are used and exploited in terms of the law and, in particular,
controlling—
(i) over-cultivation
(ii) over-grazing
(iii) the indiscriminate destruction of flora and fauna
(iv) illegal settlements
(v) abuse or misuse of land and natural resources in his area;.
25
2.6 Regional and International Multilateral Agreements
Zimbabwe has ratified several international conventions and protocols details of which are shown in Table below: Table 2 Multilateral Agreements Zimbabwe is Signatory to
Title Of Treaty/
Convention Or Protocol
Objective MINISTRY
RESPONSIBLE
The United Nations
Framework Convention
on Climate Change
(UNFCCC)
The main aim of the protocol is to regulate levels of greenhouse gas
concentration in the atmosphere, so as to avoid the occurrence of climate
change at levels that would harm economic development, or that would
impede food production activities. One of the ways of doing this is for
countries to work towards greater, energy efficiency and, in the process,
saving forests and vegetation (which serve as carbon sinks and
reservoirs) and turning increasingly to the use of renewable sources of
energy.
Ministry of
Environment and
Natural
Resources
Management and
M Environment
and Tourism
The Convention on
Biological Diversity
(CBD)
A major objective of the convention is to ensure the conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its
component parts.
MENRM and
MET
The Convention on
International Trade in
Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES)
Seeks to ensure that the international trade in species of wild fauna and
flora does not threaten the survival in wilderness of the species
concerned. Species on the CITES lists are considered of conservation
concerns.
MENRM and
MET
CL(2006) 25:SADC
Protocol on Forestry
The Protocol on Forestry of 2002 aims to promote the development,
conservation, sustainable management and utilisation of all types of
forest and trees; trade in forest products and achieve effective protection
of the environment, and safe-guard the interests of both the present and
future generations.
MENRM and
MET
CL(2006)29: Kyoto
Protocol to the United
Nations Framework
Seeks to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing the
national programs of developed countries aimed at this goal and by
establishing percentage reduction targets for the developed countries.
MENRM and
MET
26
Convention on Climate
Change
CL (2000) 45: Ratification
of the Zimbabwe Policy
Seeks to develop Zimbabwe's National Environmental Policy and its
overall development plans.
MENRM and
MET
CL (2006) 15: Convention
on Wetland of
International
Importance especially as
Waterfowl Habitat
(Ramsar)
Seeks to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now
and in future, recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of
wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific and recreational value.
MENRM and
MET
CL (2006) 23: SADC
Protocol on wildlife
Conservation and Law
Enforcement.
The Protocol commits the SADC Member States to ‚promote the
conservation of the shared wildlife resources through the establishment
of trans-frontier conservation areas‛.
MENRM and
MET
CL (2000) 24: SADC
Protocol on Fisheries.
Seeks to emphasise the important role of fisheries in the social and
economic well-being and livelihood of the people of the Region, notably
in ensuring food security and the alleviation of poverty with the ultimate
objective of its eradication.
MENRM and
MET
Southern Africa
Biodiversity Network
(SABNET)
Seeks to find African solutions to the ecological and socio-economic
challenges that face the continent.
MENRM and
MET
3.0 Study Findings
3.1. Defining of Terms
3.1.1. Stakeholder
A stakeholder can be defined in various ways and but for the purpose of this
assessment we shall use the definition by Gord Gibben (2012), who defined
stakeholders, as:
‘’ Individuals and groups that are actively involved in the project or whose
interests may be positively or negatively affected as a result of the project
execution or project completion; they may also exert influence over the project
and its results.’’
In this assessment the team looked at a stakeholder as anyone who will make use of
natural resources, involved in the management and conservation of natural resources or
those who have an impact on any aspect of biodiversity especially birds. Stakeholders
can be either direct or indirect. In this case direct stakeholders are those organisations
and people (Government Departments (RDC, DA, Agritex, National Parks and
Forestry), NGOS, Parastatals, CBOs, Private sectors and communit members) whose
actions and programmes have direct impact on biodiversity in general. Indirect
Stakeholders are those who have some political power to influence the project or those
who are interested in its outcomes.
3.1.2. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces.
In a project, hindrances, gaps and driving forces are often termed obstacles. In this
report hindrances shall be taken to mean obstructions or stops while gaps shall mean
unfilled space or divergence and driving force shall mean capacity to achieve things or
the inner urge to attain a good. In all the 5 KBAs in the Zimbabwean Eastern Highlands
gaps, hindrances, and driving forces were identified.
28
3.2. Key Biodiversity Areas of Zimbabwe
The Eastern Highlands form a physical barrier between Zimbabwe and its eastern
neighbour Mozambique and the range of
mountains stretch over 300km with
conjoined Nyanga, Vumba and Chimanimani
mountains as part of this great barrier. The
Eastern Highlands falls in all the 5 Agro-
Ecological Regions of Zimbabwe and the
project area is in region 1 with distinctive
orographic features including the rainfall
pattern that has a predominant rainfall type
raised by the warm moist air from the
Mozambique Channel that rises over the
mountain range. This gives the area all year
round rainfall feeding the numerous streams
and rivers.
3.3.1. Population Distribution
Manicaland Province has a total of 1 755 000 (923238 females and 831762 males
according to Zimbabwe Statistic (2012). The current population of Nyanga according to
the 2012 Population Census is 125 688 with about 32 359 households. Mutasa District
has a population of 169 756 (79 825 males and 89 931 females) and 42479 households,
Mutare District has a population of 188 243 (88 957 males and 99 286 females) and 48258
households; Chimanimani has a populations of 133 810(64 332 males and 69 478
females) and 32801 households; while Chipinge has a population of 300 792 (139 202
males and 161 590 females) and 66 403 households.
3.3.2. Ethnic Groups
The people of Manicaland speak Shona’s Manyika dialect, but each district has their
own sub-dialect. In Nyanga and Mutasa District they speak the Manyika dialect. In
Chipinge and Chimanimani they speak Ndau. Mutare speak Bocha and Jindwi dialects.
The province because of its proximity to Mozambique there are some areas with people
using Mozambiquean languages that are diluted with Manyika or Ndau.
3.3.3. Water and Sanitation
Zimbabwe is divided into six hydrological zones reflecting the country’s main river
systems. A few perennial rivers surface in areas with mean annual rainfall greater than
Figure 1Key Biodiversity Areas of Zimbabwe
29
800 mm and where there is contribution from groundwater. According to Zimbabwe
State of the Environment Report of 1998, surface water resources (mostly rivers) account
for 90% of the country’s water supply with a supplement from dams. In 1998 there were
140 large dams and 10 747 small dams. Because of recurrent droughts, over-
exploitation, poor management and ecological degradation freshwater is increasingly
becoming a scarce resource. Water Sector reforms since 1995, the new Water Act (1998)
and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) put emphasis on:
• correction of skewed water distribution
• environmental sustainability
• stakeholder involvement
Population distribution in Manicaland is 17% urban and 83% rural (Zimbabwe Statistic
2012). This is slightly different from the national average of 70% rural and 30% urban. In
general Manicaland has a higher agricultural potential than other parts of the country
except for the drier rain shadow areas of Makoni and Buhera.
There are a number of rivers in the province and as already been mentioned that the
mountain range marks the watershed of many rivers. People draw water from the
rivers for various purposes including domestic and agricultural.
3.3.4 Religious Practices and Beliefs
A few people still practice traditional ways of worship as Christianity has the majority
of people attending the Methodist Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Anglican
Church and Roman Catholic Church. Some attend the Apostolic Churches which have
various sects in the area. A higher proportion of the apostolic followers in the province
practice polygamy and is quite prevalent among church members.
The People in Manicaland are predominantly Christians accounting for almost 80% of
the community while a few people still practice African traditional ways of worship.
Generally the community is highly superstitious. Some of the myths and tales date back
from time immemorial of sacred hills and caves, pools with mermaids and other
mysterious disappearance and happenings. One of the most told stories was that of
people disappearing or wandering in the forests after venturing or saying things in the
sacred forests in the province. As such there is high belief in supernatural powers that
many places/sites or animals possess and the people respect this tradition.
Education Facilities
Literacy levels in the province stands as high as 96%. This is a result of the high density
of educational facilities when compared to the rest of the country. The cooler climate
seems to have attracted early missionaries to set up missions which also prioritized
30
construction of educational facilities in the region. There are 822 primary schools and
298 secondary schools in the province.
Number of Schools in Manicaland Province
Table 3 Number of Schools in Manicaland Province
District Primary Secondary
Buhera 140 55
Chimanimani 68 24
Chipinge 125 40
Makoni 170 60
Mutare 172 67
Mutasa 72 27
Nyanga 75 25
Total 822 298
3.3. Nyanga District
Nyanga District is Manicaland Province, in north eastern Zimbabwe, close to the
International border with Mozambique. Nyanga National Park in Nyanga District with
about 115 kilometres (71 mi), by road, north of Mutare, the nearest large city. This
location lies approximately 265 kilometres (165 mi), by road, east of Harare, the capital
of Zimbabwe and the largest city in that country. Nyanga sits at an elevation of 5,509
feet (1,679 m), above sea level
Mount Nyangani, the highest mountain in Zimbabwe, lies about 20 kilometres (12 mi),
southeast of the town. Its highest peak rises to approximately 2,600 metres (8,500 ft),
above sea level. Nyanga is primarily a tourist town and is a popular tourist destination
with its fishing, golf courses, mountain hikes and holiday resorts. The Mtarazi Falls,
inside Nyanga National Park, are the highest waterfalls in the country, cascading about
760 metres (2,490 ft), from top to bottom. The surrounding areas also contain many
Stone Age and Iron Age archaeological remains such as pit structures, stone forts,
terraces and pathways.
The current population of Nyanga according to the 2012 Population Census is 125 688
with about 32 359 households. The Nyanga District is divided into 31 wards. The
District is headed by a District Administrator and the Rural District Council is lead , by
an appointed a Chief Executive Officer.
31
The economy of Nyanga District is mainly supported by agriculture, forestry,
sawmilling and tourism. There is mining taking place but it is not that significant.
Nyanga’s economic activities include Retail business which is highly developed in
Nyanga town and there are small service centres in the rural areas providing low order
services such as provision of basic commodities for households.
Nyanga was once a thriving agricultural area and the Land Reform programme saw
most of the former white commercial farmers leaving the farms after their acquisition
by the state. The new farmers are slowly picking up and the transition has seen a
decline in agricultural production. Ministry of Agriculture through its extension
services is helping farmers and training the new farmer in agricultural production. Most
farmers are growing potatoes which is fast becoming popular as a cash crop. Almost all
households grow maize for sadza the staple diet. Citrus fruit production is yet another
major farming activity in the area and fruits such as apples, peaches, nectarines and
grapes are produced.
Forestry
Pine, Eucalyptus and Wattle are the main
species in the forestry plantations in the
area. The plantations are mainly found in
the former commercial farming areas. The
trees are sawn into timber at local
sawmills in the district. Sawmilling is a
major trade in the area and there are
many sawmills on most of the
farms. The harvesting of the
timber is done throughout the year
and sawn timber is always available. The sawn
timber is sold to most parts of the country from
Manicaland; Nyanga contributes significantly to
the soft timber demands of the country. There is
also hardwood timber available in the district but
the exploitation of the hardwoods is controlled by
the Rural District Council which issues out the
hardwood extraction permits after an operator
has been given a permit by the Forestry
Commission. The extraction of the soft woods is
not controlled as the exotic tree species Figure 2 Smouldering Saw Dust hips at Allied Saw Mills
Figure 3 Logging Truck at Allied Saw Mills
32
regenerate or can easily be grown in nurseries and they are also fast growing and
maturing unlike the indigenous hardwoods. The hardwoods therefore need to be
carefully extracted to prevent total loss of the indigenous trees. The main problem of
sawmilling is disposing of the saw dust that is causing smoke or unsightly mountains of
saw dust.
Fisheries
Fish farming is done on the commercial farms such as Claremont where trout is bred
and reared. The rivers in the area are not that deep and have fast running water and as
such there is little fish food in the fast flowing sections of the rivers. Trout fish thrives in
the upper sections of the rivers where there are rapids. Nyanga Development Trust
operates Nyanga Downs Fly Fishing Club which has been in existence since the 1990s.
They raise and fish trout on the Gairezi River and club members do sport fishing on the
‘catch and throw back’ principle.
Tourism
The Eastern Highlands offers scenic views and the fair climate that prevails in the area
attracts tourists. The Nyanga National Park which is 47 000km² boasts of a wide variety
of animals except the elephant, rhino and buffalo offers tourists an opportunity to view
game and birds in this cool climate. Cecil John Rhodes himself found this place so
fascinating that he desired to buy land and Rhodes Nyanga National Park was later
established. Today, the Nyanga National Park formerly known as Rhodes Nyanga
National Park has campsites, lodges and a hotel.
Education Facilities
There are 75 primary schools and 25 secondary schools in Nyanga District. The schools
are important in the project because information dissemination is made easier .
3.3.1 Nyanga National Park
Nyanga National Park was established in 1926 and is
one of the oldest parks in Zimbabwe and coined one of
key biodiversity area. It was first known as Rhodes
Inyangani National Park, a bequest from Cecil
Rhodes. The park extended to double its size
through extensions in the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s to
its current size of 472km with 40,000ha. Figure 4 Nyanga Parks in Relation to Other
Parks in Zimbabwe
33
The park is unique as it is characterized by highest land elevation in the country. All the
hills are green and are intercepted by perennial rivers. Although, Nyanga is well known
for its richness in plant species that are endemic to the Eastern Highlands, Acacia
mearnsii (black wattle) was introduced to the park in 1902 and Pinus patula was
introduced in 1923 (Worsley, 1994). Their introduction in the park and surrounding
areas has had a profound effect on the vegetation. These trees have and are invading
the montane grassland including the unique dwarf Brachystegia spiciformis woodland
and rivers stretching from the area above Pungwe gorge up to Troutbeck passing
through the Nyangombe River to Warrendale. According to Worsley (1994), over 40%
of the park had been affected by the noxious plants. When these noxious plants invade
grasslands they change the structure of the vegetation from open grassland to a mono-
specific thickets and forests, they also affect the soil nitrogen and phosphorus status
(Worsley, 1994).
Although there is no proper game census that has been conducted in the Park, the game
that is in Nyanga Parks include kudu, duiker, bushbuck, reedbuck, waterbuck, bush
pig, zebra, lion, wildebeest, impala, baboon, monkey, sable, civet cats and leopards. The
Blue Swallow, Pungwe lizard and Bernard’s Dwarf Gecko. The waterbuck, zebra,
wildebeest, impala and sable were introduced into the park Nyanga Park. Besides the
invasion of the wattle tree and pines the Nyanga Parks is also under threat of wild fires
and poaching of the animals from the local communities. Recently Zimbabwe has
experienced unwanted wild fires threatening forests, plantations and wild animals and
it is being blamed on the new farmers.
The national park is partly fenced and the access is restricted and people have to pay a
fee to access. The Nyanga Parks is guarded and national Parks officers patrol the area.
To the National Parks point of view the communities surrounding the Park are all
potential poachers of animals for meat and fire wood. While the Nyanga Rural District
Council (NRDC) also thinks the Parks sees all community members as potential
poachers. As much as they work together well they have a strained relationship.
34
3.3.2. Stakeholders Consulted and Identified
Table 4 Nyanga Stakeholders Consulted and Identified
Stakeholder
(SH)
Sta
tus
Interests in the contextual analysis Relationship with other stakeholders
(partnership or conflict)
DA Gvt Represents government in
all development activities
Overall responsible for
traditional Chiefs
Coordination role through the
traditional leaders
RDC LGvt Runs community affairs
including management
environmental issues
They are people in direct contact
of the community activities
EMA Gvt Regulates, enforcing and
monitoring Environ
including air, water, soil,
noise, vibration , radiation
and waste management
Monitoring , enforcing and
educating the communities on
proper natural resource
management
ZRP Gvt Criminal and Envtal law
Enforcement
Enforcing of criminal and
environment laws in the
community
Agritrex Gvt Works with the
community in food
production and NRM for
livelihood activities
Guidance and promotion of
sustainable land use, food
production and natural
resources management
Forestry
Extension
Gvt Promote agro forestry
forestation and
afforestation
Promote agro forestry forestation
and afforestation
Min of
Education
Gvt Promote awareness in
NRM in the young
generation
Promote education ,
environmental and biodiversity
to children and willing to
collaborate with others
Claremont
Estate
Pvt crop, fruit and fish
production
ISO standards
Not established but willing to
participate in Biodiversity
activities.
Village Inn Pvt Hospitality Is willing to host workshops and
35
Stakeholder
(SH)
Sta
tus
Interests in the contextual analysis Relationship with other stakeholders
(partnership or conflict)
promotes awareness through
distribution of brochures/posters
ZINWA Ps Biodiversity of catchment
area management
Is willing to collaborate in the
biodiversity activities
Sanyatwe
Village
SSG Community Biodiversity
need to be explored
Has been involved with
conservation of the blue swallow
Tangwena
Villages
need to be explored
National
Museums and
Monuments
need to be explored
3.3.3. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces.
Nyanga KBA gaps, hindrances, and driving forces that were identified and are given
below: Table 5 Nyanga Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces
Gaps Hindrances Driving Forces
Lack of financial resources to:
o Fence some sections of
the park
o Protect cultural sites
outside the park area
such as caves and
sacred hills
o Fully administrate the
park as funds from
central government and
conservation fees paid
by tourist are not
sufficient
o Purchase of accessories
such as binoculars, GPS
units and tents used
when on patrols or
The highest
concentration of
biodiversity in the
KBA is the national
park. Conflicts over
biodiversity value
may occur between
the community and
the park over
utilisation of the
biodiversity
resources.
Trespassing of
humans and
domestic livestock
in the park area.
Grazing, logging,
increasing poverty,
non sustainable
resource exploitation
leading to habitat
degradation due to
pollution and over
exploitation, markets,
36
Gaps Hindrances Driving Forces
study
o Carry out research on
the Blue Duiker and
Blue Swallow as
contained in the
Nyanga National Park
10 Year Development
Plan 2010-2020
Lack of human resources in
the areas of:
o Ecology
o Bird Specialist
o Research &
Development
Information on bird
conservation and the methods
for bird conservation
Insufficient or poor
knowledge and technologies
necessary for sustainable
management of biodiversity
resources
Inadequate economic
valuation of biodiversity
resources. The parks authority
has hunting quotas for big
mammals and there are price
tags for animals like Buffalo,
Lion, Elephant and others.
There are no price tags for the
bird species and other animals
hence there is little or no
importance placed on these
non priced animals.
37
Nyanga National Park
38
3.4. Mutasa District
Mutasa District is one of seven districts in the Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe.
Mutasa District is located 57 km from Mutare and stretches up to the Honde Valley,
which is about 100 km northeast of Mutare along a tarred road that branches off the
Nyanga road.
Mutasa District economy is agro-based. Villagers practice semi-commercial agriculture.
The district has several plantations and estates that provide employment. Villagers raise
cattle, goats and chicken. And they grow maize, groundnuts, sugarcane etc. and have
plantations of fruit trees in the fields. Some of the villages are small holder growers of
coffee, tea and banana plantations. Large scale commercial plantations produce timber,
coffee and tea.
Most of the district is covered by wireless or cell phone networks, although
mountainous areas of the district have poor reception. Land telephone lines connect
most of the business centres throughout the district. Villages and business centers with
telephone services have access to the internet.
Mutasa District is in the Highveld, receiving high rainfall, hence there are a number of
small to large dams in the district, the major ones being Osborne Dam and Nyawamba
Dam. Pungwe–Mutare pipeline also pass through the district and the district is still to
benefit from water points along the route. It is proving expensive for local communities
to access the piped water from the Pungwe along the way to Mutare in terms of
acquiring the right pipes for their irrigations. In Honde Valley, water supplied from by
a number of small piped systems and motorised pumps serving small towns, growth
points, commercial plantations, service centres and some villages, as well as direct
abstractions from the rivers by riparian village communities not connected to
developed installations.
Mutasa has about 15 (fifteen) primary schools and 17 (seventeen) secondary schools run
by the Ministry of Education. There are only two tertiary institutions at Bonda and
Honde valley mission.
39
3.4.1. Stapleford Forest /Allied Timbers
Stapleford Forest is south of the Honde valley, 50 km north-east of Mutare, near the
village of Penhalonga and forms part of the eastern border of Zimbabwe with
Mozambique. It is commercial forestry plantations owned by the Allied Timbers which
is a commercial branch of the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe. The plantation falls
within the Mutasa Rural District Council. The Mutasa Communal Land forms the
northern and western borders of Stapleford. The highest point of 2,030 m (Mt Rupere)
in the west of Stapleford forms a watershed, with the Odzani River flowing south-west
and the Nyamahwarara River flowing north-east.
The site includes the three areas of indigenous rainforest and Brachystegia woodland
found within Stapleford. There is a fairly large patch of montane rainforest on the
south-eastern slope of a steep-sided valley beneath Mt Rupere, next to the John Meikle
Forest Research Station. It contains six different forest-types and many interesting
species. The area has not been checked from the ground so the exact size and site
descriptions are not known. From vegetation maps, the forest and Brachystegia
woodland appear to cover an area of 1,400 ha.
On the eastern border is a prominent mountain, Gurungwe, which peaks at 1,885 m and
drops steeply to the Nyamahwarara valley at 700 m. The top and eastern slopes of Mt
Chinyamariro, to the south of Stapleford, have a well-developed Syzygium forest. Most
of this forest belongs to Allied Timbers, a commercial forest estate.
3.4.2. Stakeholders Consulted and Identified
Table 6 Mutasa District Stakeholders Consulted
Stakeholder
(SH)
Statu
s
Interests in the contextual analysis Relationship with other
stakeholders (partnership or
conflict)
DA Gvt Represents governments in
all development activities
Overall responsible for
traditional Chiefs
Coordination role through the
traditional leaders
RDC LGvt runs community affairs
including management
environmental issues
They are people in direct
contact of the community
activities
EMA Gvt Regulates, enforcing and
monitoring Env
Monitoring , enforcing and
educating the communities on
proper natural resource
40
Stakeholder
(SH)
Statu
s
Interests in the contextual analysis Relationship with other
stakeholders (partnership or
conflict)
management
ZRP Gvt Criminal and Evn law
Enforcement
Enforcing of criminal and
environment laws in the
community
Agritrex Gvt Works with the community
in food production and
NRM for livelihood
activities
Guidance and promotion of
sustainable land use, food
production and natural
resources management
Forestry
Extension
Gvt Promote agro forestry
forestation and afforestation
Promote agro forestry
forestation and afforestation
Min of
Education
Gvt Promote awareness in NRM
in the young generation
Promote education ,
environmental and
biodiversity to children and
willing to collaborate with
others
John
Meikles
Research
Centre
Ps Biodiversity conservation
and tree production research
Would want to share findings
of their research and
appropriate technology in the
production.
Honde
Valley and
Rupinda
villages
land use for agriculture
production
wood for domestic
animals and birds for meat
medicinal plants
employment
Not established
Eastern
Angling
Society
Ps social and recreational club Not established
41
3.4.3. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces
Mutasa KBA gaps, hindrances, and driving forces that were identified and are given
below:
Table 7 Mutasa District Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces
Gaps Hindrances Driving Forces
Lack of financial resources to:
o Fence some sections of
the park
o Protect cultural sites
outside the park area
such as caves and sacred
hills e.g. Mt
o Purchase of accessories
such as binoculars, GPS
units and tents used
when on patrols or study
o Carry out research on
bird species in the forest
and also create a bird
inventory
Lack of training on bird
conservation.
Lack of reading materials on bird
conservation
Lack of human resources in the
areas of:
o Ecology
o Research & Development
Information on bird conservation
and the methods for bird
conservation
Insufficient or poor knowledge
and technologies necessary for
sustainable management of
biodiversity resources
The highest
concentration of
biodiversity in the
KBA is in the
Stapleford Forest
plantation and
some sacred
mountains such as
Bvumba
Trespassing of
humans and
domestic livestock
in the forest
plantations.
Grazing, logging,
increasing poverty, non
sustainable resource
exploitation leading to
habitat degradation due
to pollution and over
exploitation, markets,
42
3.5. Mutare District
The Mutare District is also in the Manicaland province. Mutare town lies north of the
Vumba Mountains of the eastern block of Zimbabwe in the Manicaland Province. The
town is about 8 km from the border with Mozambique, and is just 290 km from the
Mozambican port of Beira and 290 km from Harare.
Despite its tropical location, the city has a temperate climate. The average annual
temperature is 19 °C, surprisingly low for its moderate altitude (about the same as
Harare which is 360 metres higher.) This is due to its sheltered position against the
mountain ridge of Cecil Kop which encourages cool breezes from lower altitude to the
east and south. The coldest month is July (minimum 6 °C and maximum 20 °C) and the
hottest month is October (minimum 16°C and maximum 32 °C). The annual rainfall is
818 mm. Rain falls mostly in the months December to February although heavy
showers are possible before and after this period. The wettest month on record was
January 1926 which received 580 mm while January 1991 received only 24 mm.
The population is predominantly Shona, the majority of them speaking the Manyika
dialect. According to the 2012 preliminary census data, Mutare has a population of 188
243; 88 957 being female and 99 286 males. This marks a rapid increase from a
population of 69,621 in 1982 and 131,367 in 1992.
3.5.1. Vumba Forest
The Vumba Mountains lie on the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border, approximately 25 km
south east of Mutare covering about 3000ha. The Bvumba rise to Castle Beacon at 1911
metres, and are, together with the Chimanimani and Nyanga part of the Eastern
Highlands in Zimbabwe bordering Mozambique. Referred to as the "Mountains of the
Mist", (Bvumba is the Shona name for "mist".), as so often the early morning starts with
a mist but clears by mid morning. Although lying mostly within Zimbabwe, the
mountains extend north-east into Mozambique. These cool green hills shelter country
hotels, a casino and golf course at the Leopard Rock Hotel and Botanical Garden with
one of the best views in Africa. There are other private owned lodges like Seldom Seen
where bird watching with local bird guides is among the activities. The mountains are
also known for their coffee plantations.
Flora
The mountains are dominated by savannah woodland, including Brachystegia / miombo.
There are also extensive sub-montane grasslands, local mist-belts with mosses and
epiphytic and lithophytic ferns and sub-montane evergreen forest in the deeper ravines.
43
The higher levels of the mountains are sparsely vegetated, with shrubs such as proteas,
aloes and Strelitzia.
In the centre of the mountains lies the Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve and
neighbouring Bvumba Botanical Garden. The latter is landscaped around a number of
small streams and includes an important cycad collection, with 59 of the 189 known
species.
Fauna
Although small in area, the mountains are a botanical paradise and home to some of the
rarest butterflies in the region. The Bvumba mountains offer exciting and varied birding
opportunities. The area is probably best known as one of the main breeding areas of
Swynnerton's Robin, a rare specie which lives and breeds in small patches of forest,
some on private land, others within the Bunga forest. Livingstones Turacos, Tauraco
livinstonii are present in large numbers though their territorial calls may often be heard
long before they are seen - the brilliant crimson wing feathers sometimes visible for
miles as they glide from one patch of canopy to another. A smaller number of mammals
inhabit the Bvumba, perhaps the most notable of which are the leopard and the samango
(blue) monkey, the latter's range being very limited. Savannah woodland adjoining the
Mozambique side of the range is home to several rare reptiles including Marshalls Leaf
Chameleon, Rhampholeon marshalli Arnolds Skink, Proscelotes arnoldi and frogs.
Archaeology
Chinhamapere Hill, on the Mozambique side of the mountains, has been a culturally
important site since the Iron Age. There are well-preserved hunter-gatherer rock art
paintings (comprising several human figures, some holding bows and arrows and
others in trance) thought to be of around 8000 years in age, as well as contemporary
ritual sites, used for rainmaking, divining and healing. There are at least 86 Stone Age
sites in the Zimbabwean portion of the mountains, some of which also continue to play
roles of cultural significance. This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage
Tentative List on August 20, 2008 in the Cultural category. It was proposed by
Mozambique. The neighbouring community include Chigodora and Burma Valley
communities.
The main activities of the area are citrus farming, mining, agriculture, hospitality and
cattle ranching. Two of the largest food producers in Zimbabwe, Cairns Foods and
Tanganda Tea, have their headquarters in Mutare. Over the past few years the city has
suffered as a result of the collapse of the country's economy.
44
The main threats of this area are encroachment by alien wattle and pine species and
fires.
3.5.2. Stakeholders Consulted and Identified
Table 8 Mutare Stakeholders Consulted and identified
Stakeholder
(SH)
Statu
s
Interests in the contextual analysis Relationship with other stakeholders
(partnership or conflict)
DA Gvt Represents governments in
all development activities
Overall responsible for
traditional Chiefs
Coordination role through the
traditional leaders
RDC LGvt runs community affairs
including management
environmental issues
They are people in direct contact of
the community activities
EMA Gvt Regulates, enforcing and
monitoring Environment
Monitoring , enforcing and
educating the communities on
proper natural resource
management
ZRP Gvt Criminal and
Environmental law
Enforcement
Enforcing of criminal and
environment laws in the
community
Agritex Gvt Works with the
community in food
production and NRM for
livelihood activities
Guidance and promotion of
sustainable land use, food
production and natural resources
management
Forestry
Extension
Gvt Promote agro forestry
forestation and
afforestation
Promote agro forestry forestation
and afforestation
Min of
Education
Gvt Promote awareness in
NRM in the young
generation
Promote education , environmental
and biodiversity to children and
willing to collaborate with others
Seldom
Seen
provide accommodation
and guided bird viewing
and education
Good and workable relations that
promote biodiversity/working well
with the Parks.
Private
lodge and
Providing accommodation Need to be established
45
Stakeholder
(SH)
Statu
s
Interests in the contextual analysis Relationship with other stakeholders
(partnership or conflict)
Hotels
Chigodora
Villages
Burma
Village
Tikkie
Hywood
trust
The Green
fund
National
Museums
and
Monuments
need to be explored
3.5.3. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces
Mutare KBA gaps, hindrances, and driving forces that were identified and are given
below:
Table 9 Mutare Gapes, Hindrances and Driving forces
Gaps Hindrances Driving Forces
Lack of financial resources to:
o Fence some sections of the
park that have fence broken
by fires and vandalism
o Protect cultural sites and
wetlands outside the park
o Fully administrate the park
as funds from central
government and
conservation fees paid by
tourist are not sufficient
o Purchase of accessories such
The highest
concentration of
biodiversity in
the KBA is in
the Botanical
Garden and
Reserve
Trespassing of
humans and
domestic
livestock in the
park area.
Grazing, logging,
increasing poverty,
non sustainable
resource
exploitation
leading to habitat
degradation due to
pollution and over
exploitation,
markets,
46
Gaps Hindrances Driving Forces
as binoculars, GPS units
and tents used when on
patrols or study
o Carry out research on the
birds and other species such
as the samango
monkey/Blue Monkey in the
Vumba Botanical Gardens
and Reserve
Lack of training on bird
conservation.
Lack of reading materials on bird
conservation
Lack of training on bird
conservation.
Lack of reading materials on bird
conservation
Lack of human resources in the
areas of:
o Ecology
o Bird Specialist
o Research & Development
Lack of information on bird
conservation and the methods for
bird conservation
Insufficient or poor knowledge
and technologies necessary for
sustainable management of
biodiversity resources
Inadequate economic valuation of
biodiversity resources. The parks
authority has hunting quotas for
big mammals and there are price
tags for animals like Buffalo, Lion,
Elephant and others. There are no
price tags for the bird species and
other animals hence there is little
or no importance placed on these
47
Gaps Hindrances Driving Forces
non priced animals.
48
3.6. Chimanimani District
Chimanimani District is another mountainous district in the province of Manicaland
province of Zimbabwe. The area is distinguished by large peaks, carved from a rifted
quartzite block, the highest reaching to 2440 m
(8005 ft) and stretching for some 50 km (31 mi),
forming the border with Mozambique. Between
the village of Chimanimani and the border the
ranges are gentler and more rounded. The
national park is in the southernmost area of the
Eastern Highlands, and is 150 km (93 mi) from
the town of Mutare.
Much of the range is composed of quartzite
ridges, with Monte Binga at 2436m the highest
point in Mozambique, right after the border. Chimanimani is one of Zimbabwe's finest
mountain wilderness areas and a very popular hiking destination. Close to the town are
the scenic Bridal Veil Falls. There is a National Parks Sanctuary and arboretum near the
village.
3.6.1. Chimanimani National Parks
Chimanimani parks covers a magnificent Chimanimani Mountains, a massive barrier of
ancient and jagged crystalline rock forming the border with Mozambique 17,100ha and
the immediate surrounding populations is estimated at 25,000. The villages bordering
the park are Chikukwa and Vhimba villages.
The breathtaking beauty and pristine environment of these mountains have always
drawn adventurous travellers. At present the park provides only basic facilities,
catering for the self-sufficient explorer. Hiking, rock climbing, birding, camping in
caves among the sparkling waterfalls and natural swimming pools. This park is for
those who want nothing more than to revel in the heart-soothing loveliness of nature.
Local tour guides with excellent knowledge of the area’s specialised wild plants and
animals offer hiking tours into the national park.
Figure 5 Chimanimani
49
A pleasant walk takes visitors to the lovely Bridal Veil Falls – a favourite picnic spot –
and in the hills above Chimanimani village there’s an Eland Sanctuary. The Outward
Bound organisation has a facility at the
foot of the mountain, and the
challenging terrain is occasionally used
by other organisations for team-building,
super-fitness training and orienteering.
The main threats in Chimanimani
community and reserve area is
degradation from unsustainable small
scale gold mining, alien fish species in
the Bundi River, water pollutions from
the gold miners and fires, particularly outside the National Park where ZPWMA and
RDCs have no mandate to control it.
3.6.2. Stakeholders Consulted and Identified
Stakeholders: ZPWMA local office; EMA local office; Chimanimani RDC; Chikukwa
and Vhimba villages; Kew Botanic Gardens (UK);
Table 10 Chimanimani Stakeholders Consulted and identified
Stakeholder (SH) Statu
s
Interests in the contextual
analysis
Relationship with other stakeholders
(partnership or conflict)
DA Gvt Represents governments
in all development
activities
Overall responsible for
traditional Chiefs
Coordination role through the
traditional leaders
RDC Gvt runs community affairs
including management
environmental issues
They are people in direct contact
of the community activities
EMA Gvt Regulates, enforcing and
monitoring Env
Monitoring , enforcing and
educating the communities on
proper natural resource
management
Figure 6 River Water Polluted By Illegal Gold Paners
50
Stakeholder (SH) Statu
s
Interests in the contextual
analysis
Relationship with other stakeholders
(partnership or conflict)
ZRP Gvt Criminal and Env law
Enforcement
Enforcing of criminal and
environment laws in the
community
Agritex Gvt Works with the
community in food
production and NRM for
livelihood activities
Guidance and promotion of
sustainable land use, food
production and natural
resources management
Forestry
Extension
Gvt Promote agro forestry
forestation and
afforestation
Promote agro forestry forestation
and afforestation
Min of
Education
Gvt Promote awareness in
NRM in the young
generation
Promote education ,
environmental and biodiversity
to children and willing to
collaborate with others
Outward
Bound
Pvt Adventure open in the
wilderness school for
team building, leadership
courses k learning
Introducing people of all walks
of life to appreciation of nature
TSURO NGO Promotion of small grain
and OVP in 188 villages
nursery tree of fruits and
indigenous trees
agro forestry plantation
animal impact project-
planned
grazing/controlled
watershed Area
management
rain water harvesting –
ground cover, trap water
infiltration and increase
water table
CELUCT community permaculture
agriculture CBO that
promote biodiversity
Willing to collaborate and works
well with the RDC
51
Stakeholder (SH) Statu
s
Interests in the contextual
analysis
Relationship with other stakeholders
(partnership or conflict)
Chikukwa
Village
members of CELUCT
practising perma culture
principles
Willing to collaborate works well
with other partners.
Vhimba
Village
need to be explored
MICAIA
Foundation
(Mozambique).
need to be explored
National
Museums and
Monuments
need to be explored
3.6.3. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces
Chimanimani KBA gaps, hindrances, and driving forces that were identified and are
given below:
Table 11 Chimanimani District Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces
Gaps Hindrances Driving Forces
Lack of financial resources to:
o Fence some sections of
the park that have
broken down by fire
and vandalism
o Protect cultural sites
outside the park area
such as caves, pools and
sacred hills in the
Chimanimani Sanctuary
and the National Park
o Fully administrate the
Chimanimani Sanctuary
and Park as funds from
central government and
conservation fees paid
The highest
concentration of
biodiversity in
the KBA is in the
sanctuary and
national park.
Conflicts over
biodiversity
value may occur
between the
community and
the park over
utilisation of the
biodiversity
resources.
Trespassing of
Grazing, logging,
increasing poverty, non
sustainable resource
exploitation leading to
habitat degradation
due to pollution and
over exploitation,
markets,
52
Gaps Hindrances Driving Forces
by tourist are not
sufficient
o Purchase of accessories such as binoculars, GPS
units and tents used when
on patrols or study.
Equipment such as
binoculars are obsolete
and irreparable
o Carry out research on the
Blue Swallow which had
been initiated.
Lack of training on bird
conservation.
Lack of reading materials on bird
conservation
Lack of human resources in the
areas of:
o Ecology
o Bird Specialist
o Research & Development
Information on bird conservation
and the methods for bird
conservation
Insufficient or poor knowledge
and technologies necessary for
sustainable management of
biodiversity resources
Inadequate economic valuation of
biodiversity resources. The parks
authority has hunting quotas for
big mammals and there are price
tags for animals like Buffalo, Lion,
Elephant and others. There are no
price tags for the bird species and
other animals hence there is little
or no importance placed on these
non priced animals.
humans and
domestic
livestock in the
park area.
53
3.7. Chipinge District
The district is located in Manicaland Province, in south eastern Zimbabwe, close to the
International border with Mozambique. Its main town, Chipinge, with an estimated
population of 18,860 in 2012 is located about 170 kilometres by road, south of Mutare,
the nearest large city and the location of the provincial headquarters with a Latitude of
20.2000 and Longitude of 32.6000.
The average annual rainfall in Chipinge is about
1,105 millimetres (43.5 in). The hot climate and
high rainfall are well suited to agriculture. The
local farmers grow tea in the Tanganda, coffee,
bananas and macadamia nuts. The surrounding
mountain slopes are covered with pine and
acacia plantations. Dairy farming in
Southdowns is also the main farming activity in
the area which has prompted the establishment
of cheese and other dairy products processing
factories in the town. Some people also do some
crafts using natural resources like baobab trees for mats, mukamba tree for wood
carvings and drums and baskets.
One of Zimbabwe's most famous landmarks, the Birchenough Bridge is located on the
Save River about 62 kilometres from Chipinge.
3.7.1. Chirinda Forest
Chirinda Forest is a state forest in the
southernmost tropical rainforest in Africa,
covering the two rounded hilltops of Mount
Selinda. Chirinda is administered by the
Forestry Commission. It is situated 30 km
south of Chipinge town, and is easily accessible
along a tar road. It is one of the best researched
forests in Zimbabwe, with scientific collections
of flora and fauna being made as early as 1900.
Figure 7 Craft Products from Natural Resources
Figure 8Chirinda Forest
54
Mount Selinda rises to 1,200 m altitude from the surrounding plateau and Mozambican
coastal plain. Being the only high ground from there to the Indian Ocean 200 km away
to the east, it is frequently covered in cloud and mist and receives about 1,400 mm of
orographic rain per year. The mists are important as the extra moisture, often occurring
in the dry season, permits forest species to survive in an area which would otherwise be
too dry for them. Chirinda Forest covers 950 ha, of which 606 ha is moist forest and the
remainder bush land or woodland. The forest covers the south and south-eastern slopes
that receive the moisture, being replaced by dense woodland on the drier northern
slopes.
Chirinda is classified as a mid-altitude or sub montane forest and is a representative of
a type that was previously widespread throughout the Eastern Highlands. It is an
island surrounded by a sea of agricultural land. The forest has a well-developed
structure, with the canopy reaching 40–55 m high. The woody species represent largely
a mixture of elements from Afromontane and East African coastal forests, with some
West African and Congo forest affinities.
Chirinda contains a giant specimen of Khaya anthotheca (VU), known as the Big Tree,
measuring 54 m high and 5.25 m circumference around the base. The Big Tree is
considered to be not less than 1,000 years old and is a National Monument. As with the
birds, Chirinda is important in the distribution of forest reptiles and amphibians
because it is intermediate between high and low altitudes.
The main threats in this area are from poaching of animal and firewood from locals and
nationals bordering Mozambique where there are no very strict laws restricting
poaching. Veld fires and increasing land distribution by traditional leaders is causing
encroachment near the forest protected area.
The main constrain of the forestry staff was said to be financial resources for awareness
activities and relation building with the local communities.
55
3.7.2. Stakeholders Consulted and Identified
Table 12 Chipinge Stakeholders Consulted and identified
Stakeholder
(SH)
Statu
s
Interests in the contextual
analysis
Relationship with other stakeholders
(partnership or conflict)
DA Gvt Represents governments
in all development
activities
Overall responsible for
traditional Chiefs
Coordination role through the
traditional leaders
RDC Gvt runs community affairs
including management
environmental issues
They are people in direct
contact of the community
activities
EMA Gvt Regulates, enforcing
and monitoring Env
Monitoring , enforcing and
educating the communities on
proper natural resource
management
ZRP Gvt Criminal and Env law
Enforcement
Enforcing of criminal and
environment laws in the
community
Agritex Gvt Works with the
community in food
production and NRM
for livelihood activities
Guidance and promotion of
sustainable land use, food
production and natural
resources management
Forestry
Extension
Gvt Promote agro forestry
forestation and
afforestation
Promote agro forestry
forestation and afforestation
Min of
Education
Gvt Promote awareness in
NRM in the young
generation
Promote education ,
environmental and biodiversity
to children and willing to
collaborate with others
Mt. Selinda
Mission-
Hosiptal and
Church need to be explored
56
Stakeholder
(SH)
Statu
s
Interests in the contextual
analysis
Relationship with other stakeholders
(partnership or conflict)
school
Chirinda
Village
need to be explored
Mapungwana
Village
need to be explored
Chako
Village.
need to be explored
Gwenzi
Villages
need to be explored
Chimana
Village
need to be explored
Vheremu
Village
need to be explored
Dimire
villages
need to be explored
3.7.3. Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces
Chipinge KBA gaps, hindrances, and driving forces that were identified and are given
below: Table 13 Chipinge Gaps, Hindrances and Driving Forces
Gaps Hindrances Driving Forces
Lack of financial resources
to:
o Fence some sections
of the park
o Protect cultural sites
outside the park area
such as caves and
sacred hills
o Fully administrate the
park as funds from
central government
and conservation fees
The highest
concentration of
biodiversity in the
KBA is the
Chirinda Forest.
Conflicts over
biodiversity value
may occur
between the
community and
the park over
utilisation of the
Grazing, logging,
increasing poverty,
non sustainable
resource exploitation
leading to habitat
degradation due to
pollution and over
exploitation, markets,
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Gaps Hindrances Driving Forces
paid by tourist are not
sufficient
o Purchase of accessories
such as binoculars, GPS
units and tents used
when on patrols or
study
Lack of training on bird
conservation.
Lack of reading materials on
bird conservation
Lack of human resources in the
areas of:
o Ecology
o Bird Specialist
o Research &
Development
Information on bird
conservation and the methods
for bird conservation
Insufficient or poor knowledge
and technologies necessary for
sustainable management of
biodiversity resources
Inadequate economic valuation
of biodiversity resources. The
parks authority has hunting
quotas for big mammals and
there are price tags for animals
like Buffalo, Lion, Elephant and
others. There are no price tags
for the bird species and other
animals hence there is little or no importance placed on these
non priced animals.
biodiversity
resources and
traditional
cultural sites
within the forest.
Trespassing of
humans and
domestic
livestock in the
park area.
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4.0 Local Area Livelihoods and Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Biodiversity
Conservation
4.1. Local Area Livelihood Systems
Livelihoods, environmental crisis and the social crisis are all closely linked. Livelihood
in rural communities are heavily dependent on agricultural. Sustainable ecosystems
that serve as the foundation for agriculture for food security should provide the
resources that ensure sustainability. It is important to move towards restoration of
natural ecosystems, agro forestry, agriculture and rural energy mobilizing in particular
carbon offset mechanisms and all stakeholders from communities themselves, the
private sector and civil society organizations.
There are some negative aspects emanating from the livelihood activities in all the areas
of Eastern Highlands. Agriculture practices are leading to deforestation and
encroachment on protected areas. Mining especially from small scale miners is directly
linked to serious land degradation and water pollution. Timber plantation from small
holder farmers and the new farmers is not sustainable since it is being carried
unprocedurally and without control. On the other hand tourism promotes the safe
guarding of the environment. Crafts that are being produced using natural resources
have some on the baobab trees and ilala if not harvested sustainable. However, the
community interviewed thinks they are being harvested sustainably.
4.2. Local Indigenous Knowledge systems
The increasing attention indigenous knowledge is receiving by academia and the
development institutions have not yet led to a unanimous perception of the concept of
indigenous knowledge. None of the definitions is essentially contradictory; they overlap
in many aspects. Warren (1991) and Flavier (1995) present typical definitions by
suggesting:
Indigenous knowledge (IK) is the local knowledge, knowledge that is unique to a given
culture or society. IK contrasts with the international knowledge system generated by
universities, research institutions and private firms. It is the basis for local-level decision
making in agriculture, health care, food preparation, education, natural-resource
management, and a host of other activities in rural communities. (Warren 1991)
Indigenous Knowledge is one of the information bases for a society, which facilitates
communication and decision-making. Indigenous information systems are dynamic,
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and are continually influenced by internal creativity and experimentation as well as by
contact with external systems. (Flavier et al. 1995: 479). In all the five areas visited there
were some IKS that have been passed on through oral tradition. In some case the
traditional knowledge was similar. For example the Fish eagle and the Stock birds are
considered sacred bird to all the 5 KBAs.
Why is Indigenous Knowledge Important?
In the emerging global knowledge economy a country’s ability to build and mobilize
knowledge capital, is equally essential for sustainable development as the availability of
physical and financial capital. (World Bank, 1997) The basic component of any country’s
knowledge system is its indigenous knowledge. It encompasses the skills, experiences
and insights of people, applied to maintain biodiversity and or improve their
livelihood. Recently people have realized that significant contributions to global
knowledge have originated from indigenous people, for instance in medicine and
veterinary medicine with their intimate understanding of their environments.
Indigenous knowledge is developed and adapted continuously to gradually changing
environments and passed down from generation to generation and closely interwoven
with people’s cultural values. Indigenous knowledge is also the social capital of the
poor, their main asset to invest in the struggle for survival, to produce food, to provide
for shelter or to achieve control of their own lives.
Today, many indigenous knowledge systems are at risk of becoming extinct because of
rapidly changing natural environments and fast pacing economic, political, and cultural
changes on a global scale and lack reference materials. Practices vanish, as they become
inappropriate for new challenges or because they adapt too slowly if not recorded and
documented. However, many practices in the Eastern Highlands are disappearing not
only because of the intrusion of foreign technologies or development concepts that
promise short-term gains or solutions to problems without being capable of sustaining
them but because they are not documented. The tragedy of the impending
disappearance of indigenous knowledge is most obvious to those who have developed
it and make a living through it. But the implication for others can be detrimental as
well, when skills, technologies, artifacts, problem solving strategies and expertise are
lost.
There are sacred sites in the Eastern Highlands region that are under the custody of
chiefs and spirit mediums. It was clear that there are some IKS and beliefs that are in the
communities. For Example in the Nyanga Mountains, the disappearance of the Masaya
children and other are associated with the IKS and mysteries of the mountains. For
example in Chipinge the Chirinda Forest is believed by the local Chiefs that it is a
sacred place. They believed there are spiritual lions in the forest. Although the foresters
60
at the office confirmed that they have seen some lions, they do not know if they are
spirituals. The local elders also believe that there is a pool at the centre of the forest. One
ranger argued that he had gone where they said is the pool but did not see it. Every
year in Chirinda, the local Chief and elders go in the forest to do their rituals and
ceremonies to their ancestors and Musikavanhu (God).
All the 5 KBA have some important sites that include hills, mountains springs,
wetlands, open forests, rivers, and trees. These places or sites have long standing
protection activities around them and as such these places may be exploited for the bird
conservation project but with strict involvement and consultation with the keepers of
these sites. The community structures already in existence need to be explored by
BirdLife Zimbabwe and understand how they function and see if they are opportunities
to take up in the conservation project. In Nyanga in most of the rivers are believed to
have mermaids at some sites and in some rivers people are not allowed to do laundry
or bath with soap or to draw water using metal tins or plastic containers used to store
fuel.
Other stories of IKS that we gathered during this study:
Table 14 Stories of Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Aspect Norms and Values Narrative
Birds Totems
Bearers or foretellers of omen
The Fish Eagle (Hungwe) is rarely seen,
when seen it heralds something
important is about to happen. One
should not point a finger to it
Honeybirds directs people to beehives
and also signals the start of rains
Heron makes sounds to signal the
entrance of any intruder to a water
body
Riti/Dendera signals rains
Animals Totems Baboon, Hippo, Lion, Elephants, Zebra
and others.
Pangolin is sacred when seen it should
be handed over to the chief of that area.
When bitten by a chameleon the wound
would not heal so people avoid the
chameleon and hence it gets protection
as a vulnerable animal
61
Aspect Norms and Values Narrative
Plants Muzhanje and all wild fruit
trees
Muzhanje and other wild fruit trees are not
supposed to be cut unnecessarily or used as
fire wood.
Sites Ziwa Ruins
Cemeteries
Nyangani Mts
Dambos
Gullivers (Claremont Estate)
River Pools
Mt Nyangani is sacred one is not
allowed to point a finger towards it
Dambos used for burial for newly born
babies
Gullivers kopje has abundant wildlife
Birds Fish Eagle
Go Away Bird
Hurekure
Sacred
Security
Security
Animals Pangolin
Python
Should be taken to the chief when seen or
found
Plants Herbarium
Mukamba
Muonde
Sites Mountains Some mountains have caves where chiefs
are buried
Birds Owls
Cuckoo
Ground Hornbills and Riti
Associated with witchcraft and pest control
Associated with rain
Animals Pangolin It is not allowed to kill and if you see it
you take it to the chief.
Plants Medicinal herbs
Ndima Forest
Sites Nyakwa village
Near Chimombe homestead in the
sanctuary
Not pointing fingers at hills
Confluence of Rusitu River and Haroni
River is a sacred forest with abundant
biodiversity
Saurombe
Madzimambo area does not burn
Cashel Valley- Mbuya
Mazhuwa/Sabhuku Manyika
62
Aspect Norms and Values Narrative
Birds Owls
Bats
Haya
These birds are signals of bad omen
Haya, rainbird that should not be killed
Animals Baboons
Snakes
Porcupine
Lions
Snakes should not be killed
Porcupine to be given to the chief
Baboons are sacred
Royal lions in Chirinda Forest
Plants Big Trees Traditional rites under such trees
Sites Valley of Giants
Sacred Springs
Mt Selinda Forest
Mermaid Pools
A forest in Musikavanhu
Burial sites for Chiefs
People are not allowed in the valley nor to
touch anything and traditional leaders to be
consulted when getting into the valley
4.3. Knowledge Belief and Attitudes on Biodiversity
This study has already pointed out that there is a close interdependence in the
relationship between people, livelihood activities and agricultural biodiversity. Thus,
the potentialities of agricultural biodiversity in any one agro-ecosystem are determined
by a matrix of ‘human’ factors and knowledge, beliefs and feedback systems in addition
to the underlying natural conditions.
This study managed to give a short test on Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of some of
the stakeholders and two school children (primary and secondary) that were
interviewed.
Generally the stakeholders understood what biodiversity meant and nearly all the
stakeholders interviewed had one or more biodiversity conservation activities that they
are doing and were uncoordinated. There are no programs specifically meant for bird
conservation. The conservation activities are mainly forest preservation, soil
conservation and animals. Lack of ecological knowledge and resources were said to be
the limiting factors.
The results from adult respondents on knowledge awareness and practices on
biodiversity are overwhelmingly indicative that people are knowledgably and aware of
biodiversity practices.
63
The results of the primary school indicated that the primary school pupils general have
knowledge and are aware of biodiversity practices. Although the responses to the
question No. 15, 16, and 20 would indicate that there are certain practices that they
might not be very well vested with. This could be because the school is in an urban
setting.
The responses by Risitu High School pupils are indicative of a broader knowledge and
awareness of biodiversity practices. However, responses to questing 15 would be an
indication that traditional ways of biodiversity conservation need to be promoted.
These children come from different areas since they are boarders. The response to
question No. 20 also indicates that there is need for further awareness initiative for
communities to support their livelihoods without compromising biodiversity.
It was clear that 37 stakeholders interview were doing something in biodiversity
conservation but lacked institutional coordination.
Table 15 Questions and Responses
Question Response
Part III. 1. What biodiversity conservation
activities are taking place in your area?
Control of invasive exotic trees
Agroforestry
Fire Prevention
Tree nurseries
Chemical disposal procedures
Rotten fruit dumps for wildlife
Snare removal
Conservation areas eg Claremont
Estate
Anti poaching
Global Gap Compliance
certification
Soil Conservation
Bird Sanctuaries
Animal Protection in the Park area
Trout farming
Fire awareness campaigns in
community and schools
Wetlands rehabilitation and
64
protection
Weir construction
Water harvesting
Part III. 2. Who coordinates and organises the
activities?
EMA
Forestry Commission
National Parks
RDCs
NGOs
Parastatals
Traditional Leaders
Agritex
Education sector
DAs
Farmers
SHE Officers
Part III. 3. Birds are part of biodiversity; what
conservation activities or programmes for bird
conservation are being undertaken in your
area?
National Parks
Ward 27 – Councillor Chitere
Protection of migratory birds at
Claremont
Stopping use of harmful pesticides
e.g. Methylbromide, Paraquat
(Purple Labels)
Birds taking advantage of water
troughs on farms
Monitoring the Blue Swallow
Wetland protection
Dam construction
Part III. 4. Who is coordinating and organising
these bird conservation activities in your area
if they are any?
Government Departments
RDC
Communities
EMA
Parks
Forestry
Farm security
SHE Department
BirdLife Zimbabwe
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4.4 Capacity Building Needs
All the stakeholders consulted that include National parks, Forestry, EMA, AGRITEX,
Education etc. are doing something in biodiversity , the only constraint of desired
activities is lack of financial resources, IKS, ecological and methodologies of bird
conservation knowledge and skills to implement what they would want to do. The
National Parks especially Nyanga has a 10 year Park strategic Management Plan that
they produced with other stakeholders in the Districts; Set of the objectives of the Park
Plan include among other things:
Objective 1 Management oriented monitoring and research of Principal
Ecosystem Components (PECs) and Key Ecological Attributes (KEAs) carried
out.
Objective 2: Strategic adaptive management systems for the long-term
conservation of Nyanga National Park Ecosystem and Biodiversity developed
and fully implemented.
Objective 3 Spread of Invasive-alien species reduced and afro-montane habitat
conserved
Objective 4 Hydrological systems and biodiversity of Nyanga National Park
conserved and monitored
Objective 5 Anthropogenic impacts on Nyanga National Park Ecosystems
mitigated and managed.
Of interest is the Action of Section D. Tourism Management Programme, Objective 4
(Appendix 7.9. B. that specified: Private, Public, Community Partnerships Promoted.
The Nyanga National Parks want to develop a formal and structured Private Public
Community Partnership and train to increase their appreciation and understanding of
the opportunities and constraints in the biodiversity business ventures. This is clear
that some stakeholders have plans and well laid out activities that can be done but the
main challenge is resources to implement. This is an opportunity for BLZ to take up the
planned activities and enhance activities that are already on the ground.
In the Nyanga National Park 10 Year Development Plan they have identified some
species namely the Blue Swallow and the Blue Duiker that need to be studied and this
presents an opportunity for BirdLife Zimbabwe to partner Parks in this study. The Park
has some resource challenge which with cooperation and collaboration with other
interested parties may be made possible.
The Forestry Extension Officer in Nyanga District has been doing some competitions
with Better Schools Programme on environments and beautifying schools with
66
ornamental plants and trees. One school that is in Makoni District, Cheneka School was
known to be the best in bird conservation activities. Initially the school bird
conservation activities were initiated and supported by BLZ were binoculars were
distributed and training of school children in bird conservation done. The activities
have since declined due to lack of structured activities by BLZ. In Chipinge the
Education Ministry DEO noted some competitions happening at his former school, Mt.
Selinda on birds and other species. It is clearly evident that schools in the KBAs can
become information and activity centres for the biodiversity capacity building project
through the basic Environmental Science Teaching (BEST). Institutions of higher
learning such as teachers colleges, polytechnic and universities can also be instrumental
in research and development of biodiversity conservation technologies and
methodologies.
In general the capacity needs that come up from the interview were expectation for BLZ
as follows:
BirdLife Zimbabwe
Workshops/training programmes on Environmental education- anti poaching,
values of biodiversity, ecological aspects and bird species inventory at District
and village levels.
Participatory mapping of bird habitats
Awareness programmes
Promotional –Flyers, brochures, posters etc
Engaging Communities
Provision of binoculars
Providing bird baths and shelter
IKS documentation and publications
Exchange visits to other areas in the Eastern Highlands (Sister KBAs)
Initiating and supporting site support groups
Literature on biodiversity for schools and villages
Documentation of IKS in all the KBA
Financial Support
Promoting biodiversity cultural activities
Providing binoculars
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5. Conclusions and Recommendations
Generally all the people interviewed in the 5 KBAs namely Nyanga, Stapleford Forest,
Vumba, Chimanimani and Chirinda welcomed the BLZ idea of stakeholder/ community
based biodiversity conservation and management. They agreed on the need for
collaborated community efforts in biodiversity conservation. The Eastern Highlands of
Zimbabwe are rich natural and cultural heritage of biodiversity conservation.
The people still have some traditional beliefs which they still follow as evidenced by the
presence of so many sacred sites. These sites have become haven for biodiversity
species both flora and fauna. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wild Management Agent
(ZPWMA) and other governmental agencies such as EMA, Forestry Commission,
ZINWA and schools are more than ready to take up initiatives by BirdLife Zimbabwe in
biodiversity conservation especially birds as most people felt that it was a fairly
neglected concept which is specifically for birds.
Social and biodiversity synergy of local rules, regulations, law making, conservancies,
livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation can be effective pathways to achieve social
and ecological benefits of the Eastern Highlands. The reality on the ground with the
traditional leaders’ roles and responsibilities, other government departments like the
EMA, Police, RDC and Agritex roles and responsibilities seem not to synchronized well.
They seem not to have harmony especially on the issue of natural resources use, culture
and biodiversity management. There is need for a review on Traditional Leaders Act in
order to be synchronised with other legislations.
There is oral Indigenous knowledge (IK) being passed on from one generation to the
other in the Eastern Highlands. This IK is not yet being fully utilized in the
development and biodiversity management process. Stakeholders, environmentalists
and ecologists in their campaigns against wild fires, environmental degradation,
poaching, pollution of water resources and overfishing which prominent in the area,
should use IK as basis for understanding and appreciating new strategies on
biodiversity management. Conventional approaches imply that development processes
always require technology transfers from locations that are perceived as more
advanced. This has led often to overlooking the potential in local experiences and
practices. Indigenous knowledge can be relevant on three levels for the development
process.
It is, obviously, most important for the local community in which the bearers
of such knowledge live and produce.
Development agents (CBOs, NGOs, governments, donors, local leaders, and
private sector initiatives) need to recognize it, value it and appreciate it in
68
their interaction with the local communities. Before incorporating it in their
approaches, they need to understand it – and critically validate it against the
usefulness for their intended objectives.
Lastly, indigenous knowledge forms part of the global knowledge. In this
context, it has a value and relevance in itself. Indigenous knowledge can be
preserved, transferred, or adopted and adapted elsewhere.
The development process interacts with indigenous knowledge. When designing or
implementing development programs or projects, three scenarios can be observed:
relies entirely or substantially on indigenous knowledge,
overrides indigenous knowledge or,
Incorporates indigenous knowledge.
Planners and implementers need to decide which path to follow. Rational conclusions
are based on determining whether indigenous knowledge would contribute to solve
existing problems and achieving the intended objectives. In most cases, a careful
amalgamation of indigenous and foreign knowledge would be most promising, leaving
the choice, the rate and the degree of adoption and adaptation to the communities.
Foreign knowledge does not necessarily mean modern technology, it includes also
indigenous practices developed and applied under similar conditions elsewhere. These
techniques are then likely to be adopted faster and applied more successfully. To foster
such a transfer a sound understanding of indigenous knowledge is needed. This
requires means for the capture and validation, as well as for the eventual exchange,
transfer and dissemination of indigenous knowledge. This can be done using
community publication methods.
Indigenous knowledge on biodiversity issues needs to be incorporated in to the school’s
curriculum of Zimbabwe. Currently there is absence or little IK on in the education
system of Zimbabwe.
The fire awareness campaigns that were conducted by the District teams in all the KBAs
are important and there is need for more information on the value of fauna and flora,
ecological and bird habitats education that could benefit the life of birds in the
communities.
The capacity to manage agricultural biodiversity also varies considerably within
communities and depends on the ethnic group, social status, gender relations and age
of the farmer. Different social groups of farmers within a community may use different
varieties of the same crop, each adapted to optimise performance under his or her
respective resource constraints. In Zimbabwe, the new farmers who lack resources to
prepare their land early in the season use a higher proportion of early maturing
69
varieties than experienced farmers. It is therefore recommended that agriculture
biodiversity management and alternative energy should be part of this capacity
building project to contribute to food security and reduce dependence on the forests
and reserve products for food.
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6. References
BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Stapleford Forest.
Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 14/07/2013
Chenje, M;Sola, L and Paleczny, D. (19981) The state of Zimbabwe’s Harare: Ministry Of
Mines, Environment And Tourism.
Chikunda, J. (2007) Zimbabwe’s better Environmental Science Teaching Programme: A Step
Towards Education For Sustainable Development.
Davis, S. (1994) Information Knowledge and power. IDS bulletine
Elizabeth Cromwell (1999) Agriculture, Biodiversity and Livelihoods: Issues and Entry Points
Final Report, Overseas Development Institute
Elizabeth Cromwell. (2009)Agriculture, Biodiversity And Livelihoods: Issues And Entry
Points, Overseas Development Institute
Irwin (1979), Muller (1994), Mundy et al. (1984).
Warren, D.M. (1991) Using Indigenous Knowledge in Africa and Diaspora Communities,
Harare University of Zimbabwe
World Agroforestry Centre. - See more at: http://blog.worldagroforestry.org/index.
ZimStats : Preliminary Report 2012 Population Census