Our Mission
Strengthening the capacity of local communities to mitigate human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in a changing climate for improved livelihoods and wildlife conservation.
Our Vision
Local-led and Community-driven human wildlife coexistence for improved livelihoods and thriving wildlife populations.
Meet Our Team
We are a team of African Conservationists working to save our wildlife and
improve the lives of the people that live alongside the wildlife.
Board Members
Liomba Junior Mathe
Liomba is a Zimbabwean-Oxford trained conservationist determined to understanding the complex patterns of Human predator-conflict along the edges of Protected Areas (PAs) and better contribute to improving rural livelihood systems by mitigating the conflict and provide ongoing contributions to conserve Africa’s lions. He is an active member of the African Lion Working Group (ALWG) and the KAZA Carnivore Conservation Coalition (KCCC), providing ongoing contributions to the conservation of the African lion.
Prof. Olga Laiza Kupika
Olga is a Natural Resources Conservationist and Climate Change expert, Associate Professor, and currently Chairperson in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe. She is passionate about education for sustainable development (ESD), green transition and climate change adaptation and mitigation in the biodiversity sector, participatory community-based natural resources monitoring, improvement of livelihoods and well-being of rural communities at the periphery of protected areas in Southern Africa and beyond.
Maxwell Phiri
Maxwell is a mature and seasoned Forester/Natural Resources management expert with over 25 years experience in Forestry and rural development in Zimbabwe.He has worked at both technical and middle management levels in the Government of Zimbabwe and at FAO. Currently coordinating the EU funded Sustainable Wildlife Management Project implemented on the Zimbabwe side of the KaZa site.
Kimery Duda
Kimery is an experienced teacher, tour guide, and founder of the Austin, Texas-based Expedition School. She is passionate about imparting environmental skills, knowledge, and wisdom to other people. An expedition to climb Pico de Orizaba, Mexico's highest peak, in 1996 inspired her passion for adventure. After ten years of teaching and guiding professionally all over the world, Kimery founded The Expedition School in 2006 an organization that develops and offers experiences that embody the expedition’s ethos—through adventure and education.
Obert Manyeza
Obert is a community development specialist with significant experience in, grant management, advocacy, policy tracking, programme and project design, capacity development, project implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation at national and regional levels. He has vast experience working with international development agencies. Obert is passionate about finding solutions that the human-wildlife conflicts affecting our rural communities living near national parks.
Our Team
Dr . Moreangels Mbizah
Founder and Executive Director
Born and raised in Zimbabwe. She has a DPhil in Zoology from the University of Oxford. Moreangels is passionate about inspiring the next generation of African conservationists and building the capacity of future African conservation leaders.
Togarasei Fakarayi
Chief Operations Officer
Togarasei Fakarayi is a passionate conservation expert who is committed to applying extensive knowledge of conservation practices to protect wildlife while ensuring community benefits from conservation. Connecting people and nature forms part of the core for Togarasei Fakarayi. Skilled in project design and management, team building, stakeholder engagement, capacity and network building.
Simbarashe Pride Chatikobo
Human-Wildlife Conflict Program Officer
Simba holds a Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Animal and Wildlife Sciences. He is passionate about local involvement in conservation matters and cultivating locally driven solutions to conservation challenges.
Lisa Chitura
Environmental Education &
Awareness Program Officer
Lisa Chitura is a dedicated environmentalist and conservationist with a master's in climate change and sustainable development. She is passionate about climate change advocacy, environmental management and protection, and raising awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and the environment. With her passion and commitment, Lisa strives to make a real difference in the world and work to create a more sustainable future for future generations.
Kudakwashe Chuma
Human-Wildlife Conflict Project Assistant - Nyaminyami
Kudakwashe is an astute environmentalist with a strong desire to see humans take full responsibility for environmental preservation. He holds a BSc Hons Degree in Geography and Environmental Sciences from Midlands State University. He envisions a society in which humans and animals coexist in peace and share available resources such as water, air, and land equally.
Lorraine Jowa
Environmental Education &
Awareness Project Assistant
Lorraine holds a Bachelor's Science Honors Degree in Natural Resources Management. She loves to do game drives, and nature walks, and her hobby is Beekeeping. Lorraine desires to see a world where everyone has a voice and a place in the conservation of Natural Resources and our Environment.
Milliscent Matimbe
Finance And Adminstration Officer
Milliscent Matimbe is a finance and administration officer who holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honors degree in Accounting from the National University of Science and Technology, and an experienced accountant with expertise in financial statement preparation, budgeting, and forecasting. Milliscent desires to see a world where humans and wildlife thrive together in harmony,she loves hiking and wildlife photography where she captures stunning photos of animals in their natural habitats.
Tawanda Pesanayi
Monitoring Evaluation Learning Officer
Tawanda Pesanayi holds a Master of Public Administration from the UNICAF University in Zambia, a Master of Arts in Development Studies, a BSc Honours in Geography and Environmental Studies from the Midlands State University and a BSc Honours in Monitoring and Evaluation from the Lupane State University. With a passion for tracking achievements in Human-Wildlife coexistence, he brings in years of experience leading monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities including strategic planning, performance and adaptive management, data-driven results analysis, as well as capacity building.
Chief Mudisi
Communications Assistant
Chief Mudisi is a Communications Assistant who holds a degree in Media and Society Studies from Midlands State University. He has a passion for seeing a society where Humans and Wildlife can coexist making the environment habitable for generations to come. Through his Graphics and Photographic skills he captures how Humans and Wildlife can benefit from each other.
Farai is a Researcher, Writer and Social Ecologist with passionate focus and experience in developing socio ecological systems that promote Human-Wildlife co existence, sustainable Natural Resources management and ultimately resilient communities. She holds a MSc in Socio-Ecological Systems & Development Practice (UZ), MSc in Disaster Risk & Livelihoods Management, BA in Development Studies and Ex Cert in Monitoring & Evaluation. She has extensively researched and written on Climate justice, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Green Livelihoods, Societal inequalities as well as Climate change and Agro systems.
Anesuishe Michelle Dzinzi
Human-Wildlife Conflict Project Assistant - Mbire
Mitchell is dedicated in human-wildlife conflict resolution, with a strong focus on fostering coexistence between communities and wildlife. She works directly with at-risk populations, helping them implement strategies to reduce conflicts and protect their livelihoods. Her passion for conservation and community engagement drives her mission to create a future where humans and wildlife thrive together.
Anele Matshisela
Research & Conservation Leadership Program Officer
Anele holds an MSc in Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation along with a Post Graduate Diploma in GIS & Remote Sensing. He has extensive experience in field research, consultancy, and higher education. Anele is deeply passionate about nature and actively contributes as a team player towards the effective management of natural resources.
Joan Banda
Research & Conservation Leadership Project Assistant
Joan is a conservation biologist with a BSc in Forest Resources and Wildlife Management from the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe and an MSc in Conservation Biology from the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute in Nigeria. She has worked on projects aimed at protecting endangered species and restoring habitats, combining practical fieldwork with community engagement. Outside of her professional life, Joan enjoys hiking, wildlife photography, and educating others about conservation. Her genuine passion for nature drives her commitment to making a positive impact in the field.
Peter Mukuli
Research & Conservation Leadership Camp Custodian
Peter is a skilled builder by profession with a profound love for wildlife conservation. Having grown up on the periphery of Chizarira National Park, Peter finds great joy in contributing to the development and growth of the Research and Conservation Leadership Centre in Chizarira National Park. His hands-on experience and deep connection to the bush make him an invaluable asset to the team.
'Batabilili' Community Guardians- Nyaminyami
Charles Charinga
Charles grew up in Mola, where he witnessed lions and hyenas prey on livestock. He was inspired to participate in the development and implementation of livestock predation mitigation measures after firsthand experience with these negative human-animal interactions.
Sailos Siangombe
Sailos is concerned about the decline of lion populations in the Nyaminyami District and around the world. As a result, he chose conservation as a means of helping to save lions from extinction and finding a solution to the community's predation problem, which is primarily caused by lions in the area that he comes from.
Chastity Chavhonga
Chastity is enthusiastic about wildlife protection, and she was inspired to do so after growing up in an area with a diverse range of wildlife. She aspires to further her education and establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in the male-dominated profession of conservation.
Tapfumaneyi Sigundu
Tapfumaneyi Sigundu aims to foster human-wildlife coexistence by educating local communities about wildlife's importance. She also wants to be a part of developing and implementing livestock predation mitigation measures in the Mola area and elsewhere.
Governor Siajanika
Governor considers livestock farming to be a source of prosperity in his community, thus losing them is a significant loss. Given the scenario of cattle predation in the Mola area where he lives, he was inspired to try to develop long-term answers to the challenges that his community was experiencing. He also intends to continue his education and pursue a career in conservation.
Nyadzisai Munenga
Nyadzisai is a mother of two and an advocate for coexisting with nature. She ought to contribute to the cause by spreading awareness of wildlife conservation and the risks associated with improper livestock management in terms of protecting livestock from predators.
Custardy Siachema
Custard is fervently committed to community-based wildlife protection. He is very keen to advance the coexistence of humans and carnivores in his community and to persuade the residents of his village of the value of proper livestock management
Blessed Churuchaumba
Blessed Churuchaumba was raised in Msambakaruma, surrounded by a rich variety of plants and animals. His mornings were greeted by the soothing sounds of doves cooing and fork-tailed drongos singing. This environment inspired his passion to contribute to Wildlife Conservation within his community.
Colleen Mufepi
Colleen Mufepi, a young woman from Mola rural area, has found inspiration as a community guardian working in Wildlife Conservation Action. In her role, she focuses on assisting farmers by providing valuable advice on mitigating human-wildlife conflict and fostering peaceful coexistence between people and animals.
Elton Makwerere
Elton Makwerere is passionate about promoting human-wildlife coexistence through his work with Wildlife Conservation Action. Through his experience, he has realized the importance of instilling passion within the community to achieve positive outcomes. He believes that educating people about the roles of each organism in the environment is key to fostering adaptation and cooperation. Elton expresses gratitude to the organization for allowing him to be an integral part of achieving his goals.
First Tagara
First Tagara grew up in Musampakaruma area, just few kilometers to Matusadona National Park, where he used to interact with wild species and the celebration was unbearable when seeing an elephant in the community using its trunk to feed it's self. That excitement of seeing wild species in the community without posing any harm, ignited his enthusiastic for wildlife protection and developed a sense of ownership that we share the same resources with wild species. Hence, he love protecting wild species and mingle with them on the same space.
Knowledge Chiriga
Chiriga Knowledge spent his childhood in Nebiri village, located in the dense jungle of the Matusadonha catchment area. Growing up in this biodiverse environment, he learned the importance of coexistence with plants and animals, realizing that human survival is intertwined with the natural world. He is grateful for the guidance, inspiration, and impact of Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA), as it has empowered people in the community to focus on implementing solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflict rather than resorting to complaints and retaliation.
Nomsa Bafana
Nomsa Bafana, a mother of one, serves as a Community Guardian at Musambakaruma with Wildlife Conservation Action. Her primary goal is to minimize human-wildlife conflict within her community, aiming to cultivate a safe and harmonious environment for her child and future generations.
Pikisai Mugaramanja
Pikisai Mugaramanja has a deep passion for wildlife conservation, which stems from his love for preserving fauna and flora. He expresses gratitude to the organization for helping turn his dream into a reality, as he now educates the community about the significance of wildlife. His aspiration is to further his career by studying wildlife management and obtaining a degree in the field.
Nicolette Kabandazi
Nicollete Kabandanzi is a woman with a deep passion for nature. One of the most captivating experiences that strengthened her connection to the natural world was her trips during secondary school. During these excursions, she developed a particular fondness for lions while visiting parks as a student. What intrigued her most was witnessing the harmonious coexistence between people and lions in designated areas, envisioning a scenario where lions could peacefully share their habitat with humans without posing a threat to livelihoods, and humans refraining from harming these majestic animals.
Prosper Dube
Prosper Dube, hailing from Chilimba village in ward 6, has dealt with livestock losses due to lions and hyenas since his early years. However, upon joining this organization, he has learned numerous effective measures to mitigate such incidents. This learning experience has significantly impacted him, leading to positive changes. Prosper is determined to continue learning and sharing his knowledge for many years ahead.
Tinashe Siamatanga
Tinashe Siamatanga, residing in Manhanga area, has personally observed wildlife species attacking livestock and damaging crops in his community. This experience deeply affected him and motivated him to join the organization, seeking practical solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. He is passionate about spreading awareness and educating the community on strategies to reduce such conflicts. Tinashe aims to promote positive perceptions of wildlife and advocate for effective human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures.
Proud Munyukwi
Proud Munyukwi lives in Kasvisva, ward 7 under Chief Nebiri. He values the importance of education and awareness programs, sharing knowledge with communities Proud believes coexistence between the human and wildlife populations where both are able to derive benefit from the other sustainably.
Tanaka Mawadze
Tanaka Mawadze is passionate about wildlife conservation and preventing poaching. He strongly believes in fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. Tanaka also aspires to participate in activities such as fitting tracking collars on animals like elephants and lions. He deeply appreciates and respects individuals who actively protect and care for wildlife.
Community Guardians- Mbire
Ruth Kamuchato
Ruth Kamuchato is committed to enhancing community safety and wildlife protection. Ruth joined WCA with a mission to empower local communities with knowledge and practical solutions to safeguard themselves and their livestock from wildlife threats. Through close collaboration with community members, she provides crucial guidance on effective wildlife conflict prevention and mitigation strategies. Her role is pivotal in fostering sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife, ensuring both community well-being and conservation success.
Munashe Tauro
Munashe joined Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA) to help communities live safely with wildlife. He works with local people, sharing practical advice on how to protect themselves and their livestock from wild animals. Munashe’s role is important for ensuring both community safety and peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
Ishmael Jack
Ishmael Jack has a keen interest in helping communities reduce human-wildlife conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence. He encourages using traditional methods over technology to manage wildlife interactions, aiming to lower costs and effectively protect livestock. Ishmael’s goal is to continue guiding communities in safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
Luckmore Mutekeshi
As a humanitarian, Luckmore want to bridge the gap between people and wildlife in Mbire. His goal is to help communities live in harmony with their natural environment, including both fauna and flora. He is dedicated to educating locals on how to protect themselves and their livestock from carnivores, aiming to be a pioneer in promoting peaceful coexistence.
Miriam Dumba
Miriam Dumba joined Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA) to help reduce conflicts between people and wildlife. Her goal is to build a positive relationship between humans and wild animals. Miriam works to encourage people to live peacefully alongside wildlife and find ways to avoid conflicts. Through her guidance and support, she aims to help communities understand how to coexist with wildlife and protect both themselves and the animals.
Dougson Goredema
Dougson Goredema is excited to be part of Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA). He is dedicated to helping communities manage human-wildlife conflicts and foster coexistence between people and wildlife. Dougson’s goal is to shift communities from conflict to coexistence through education and practical mitigation measures, ensuring that local residents can live harmoniously with wildlife.
Our Attachment Students
Natalie Munashe Muswe
Attachment Student 2024
Natalie is wholeheartedly dedicated to environmental conservation and is committed to raising awareness about the value of biodiversity. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Honours degree in Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation at Chinhoyi University of Technology with the aim of making significant contributions to conservation efforts.
Emmanuel Chimsoro
Attachment Student 2024
Emmanuel Chimsoro is a dedicated and passionate student with a keen interest in non-timber forest products and how they play a crucial role in wildlife population dynamics. Currently pursuing a Degree in Natural Resources Management at Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, he explores the complex interactions of NTFPs and wildlife, how they influence species interaction, from herbivory, migration and predator-prey relations examining how this contributes to biodiversity conservation. Beyond academia, Emmanuel is actively involved in fieldwork and global youth led conservation initiatives. Emmanuel aspires to bridge the gap between NTFPs utilization, sustainability and community beneficiation, mainstreaming NTFPs as an alternative livelihood source in an ever changing environment.
Pelton Mumba
Attachment Student 2023
A student at the Chinhoyi University of Technology pursuing a Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation. He is passionate about advocating for nature conservation through storytelling and documentation. He hopes to contribute as much in aspects of Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation through scientific research and videography. Pelton loves graphics designing and thinks that it is imperative in disseminating the conservation message in the technology era.
Nomthandazo Ntuli
Attachment Student 2023
Nomthandazo, has a strong passion for the environment and believes that understanding it has never been more important than it is today, as it will be a drive to a sustainable use of our environment. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Forest Resources and Wildlife Management at the National University of Science Technology. She aspires to contribute to conservation through developing sustainable means of using the environment.
Ashely Tawanda Remwa
Attachment Student 2023
Ashely is a student pursuing a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Natural Resources Management at Bindura University of Science Education. He is passionate about finding sustainable mitigation measures to human wildlife conflict through community empowerment and research. He believes that community-based conservation is the basis for human-wildlife coexistence.
Maclytte Tsakatsa
Attachment Student 2023
Maclytte, passionate about women's participation in conservation and believes that the level of success of a particular community is measured by the degree of excellence that women in that community have achieved. She is pursuing an Animal and Wildlife Science student from Midlands State University ,and looking forward to contributing to human-wildlife coexistence through research.
Moono Syapiila
Attachment Student 2022
Moono is studying an Animal Science and Rangeland Management Bachelor of Agriculture Sciences Honours Degree at Lupane State University. Attached at our Nyaminyami Coexistence Project. Moono grew up in a rural household in Zambia's Sinasongwe, where she witnessed human-animal conflict. This encounter has inspired her to pursue a degree in wildlife sciences in order to effectively contribute to the development of sustainable human-animal conflict mitigation methods as a strategy to support peaceful coexistence between humans and animals
Tumelo Mudimba
Attachment Student 2022
Tumelo is a student at the University of Zimbabwe. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Biological Sciences majoring in Ecology. Attached at our Shangani Ranch Carnivore Project. He is enthusiastic about long-term wildlife management. His conservation efforts are motivated by firsthand experiences of wildlife population decimation due to poaching in his rural home of Binga, Sinampande
Francisca Chipare
Attachment Student 2022
Francisca is a student at the Chinhoyi University of Technology, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation. Attached at our Shangani Ranch Carnivore Project. She is passionate about wildlife biology and hopes to make a significant contribution to endangered species conservation through research and advocacy.Apart from academics she is a cricketer, who plays for Zimbabwe Women Cricket team.
Goodman Zhongove
Attachment Student 2022
Goodman is a student at Lupane State University. He is undertaking a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Wildlife Resources Management. He is interested in research and scientific publication. His conservation fight is to prevent extinction so that the beauty of all wildlife resources can continue to be appreciated by generations to come. He was part of our Shangani Carnivore Project 2021 team.
Kelvin Mapisa
Attachment Student 2021
Kelvin who has rural background was saddened by the indiscriminate killing of wildlife by poachers in his rural home, viewing this as a threat to wildlife populations from a young age. He has always been drawn to conservation, joined several such clubs as a result, and ultimately enrolled with the Chinhoyi University of Technology to study for a Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation. He was part of our Shangani Carnivore Project 2021 team.
Nick Ncube
Attachment Student 2021
Nick is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Wildlife Resources Management at Lupane State University. He is passionate about large-carnivore conservation, promoting human-wildlife coexistence and improving local community livelihoods. He was part of our Nyaminyami Coexistence Project 2021 team.
Our Partners