Time for action: The solution lies with us

Unsustainable land use practices and climate variability has exacerbated land degradation and loss of biodiversity, fueling intense competition for dwindling resources and creating a volatile relationship between humans and wildlife in most rural areas in Africa. This has been evident in places such as Nyaminyami, Kariba, Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mbire and Chiredzi among others. The question is ‘Who then shall take reins to restore balance between humans and wildlife in these critical ecosystems?’

The key to reverse the losses and deal with ecological challenges lies in the hands of the local communities themselves. It is them that have the power to shape desired destiny and create a future where humans and wildlife co-exist in harmony. Time is now when communities should stand firm as custodians of their land and best positioned to take action and drive positive change in their own communities. 

The tide has turned in Nyaminyami, one of the communities we work in. With committed leadership, engaged youth, and a collective effort from farmers, local business owners, and all stakeholders, the district has embraced a coordinated approach to holistic land and livestock management. Through a unified and coordinated approach to holistic land and livestock management, pilot wards 3 and 4 are poised to overcome the challenges that have held them back and forge a more resilient future for the community and wildlife. 

Collectively livestock is being managed in batches and kraaled in predator proof bomas during the night. A specialized livestock health practitioner engaged for routine disease control and monitoring whilst leadership passes on knowledge on natural resources to young people through integrated land mapping and grazing planning. More so, the community is set to reward good land and livestock management practices to champion farmers and committed herders and this will help reinforce the concept across the district. This powerful strategy will not only enable the community to address the complex interplay of ecosystem challenges and drive meaningful change but will allow to bring economic, social, cultural and natural benefits to the local people. 

Holistic land and livestock management offers a cocktail of benefits. Wildlife Conservation Action is delighted to be part of the change in rural communities. We promote livelihoods by restoring degraded landscapes through a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture, ecological balance, biodiversity, and climate resilience, ultimately enhancing the well-being of rural communities living alongside wildlife and in ecological hotspots areas. As communities work together to manage land, cropland and rangelands, women and children are engaged in new responsibilities. Just as demonstrated by IGugu Trust, a local community organization in Hwange West District, impacting land using livestock and reduced land tillage leads to a doubling of harvests. Herder teams take turns managing herds, enabling families to rotate responsibility. Simultaneously, trust is built amongst neighbors resulting in the regeneration of social relations. Women now have access to more food and the society thrives.

The holistic land and livestock management programs champions community-driven participation, sustainable native rangeland management, integrated disease risk and food safety control, and rural development principles. Follow us in the next issue and we unpack the pillars underpinning Herding for Health and these are: thriving healthy rangelands, healthy productive livestock, nurturing thriving communities and establishing a robust enabling policy framework.